Fireman Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting Woman Near El Monte School Arrested
EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — A 38-year-old fireman suspected of sexually assaulting a woman near a school in El Monte remained in custody on Thursday.
According to the El Monte Police Department, Richard Thomas Loken, of Moreno Valley, was taken into custody in the parking lot of Portrero School on Wednesday afternoon.
Shortly after 8 a.m., an adult woman was walking in the 2600 block of Portrero Avenue when Loken allegedly approached and her from behind before sexually assaulting her.
Police explained the woman then ran away and contacted a male witness.
Loken entered a black Ford truck and drove westbound on Giovanne.
The woman later notified school officials, who then contacted police.
Shortly before 1 p.m., officers were sent to the school for report of a suspicious person in a black Ford truck.
Upon their arrival, authorities located Loken inside of the vehicle, which was determined to match the description of the earlier assault.
When officers approached him, they noticed a handgun and a personal Taser were located inside the vehicle.
Loken, who is employed as a Los Angeles County fireman, was subsequently arrested and transported to the El Monte Police Department.
According to police, further investigation revealed he was identified as the suspect in the earlier sexual assault.
He has been charged with driving under the influence and possession of a firearm near school grounds.
Loken is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Anyone with further information regarding this case has been urged to contact the El Monte Police Department at (626) 580-2114.
