Update on Sexual Predator

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 9, 1999

On June 18, 1999, a thirteen-year-old female was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in the Hollywood Area. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic with teardrop tattoos beneath each eye and tattoos on his abdomen.

On July 22, 1999, in Wilshire Area, a similar crime occurred involving an eighteen-year-old female victim. The suspect in this crime was similarly described.

After exhausting the few leads that were available, Hollywood Area provided the Media with a composite sketch of the suspect. The response from the citizens was remarkable. Numerous suspects were identified and eliminated. Wilshire Area Detectives, however, were provided with a lead that definitely identified the correct suspect.

Hollywood and Wilshire personnel deployed on two locations and a search warrant and arrest warrant were acquired. Prior to serving the search warrant, the officers observed the suspect’s girlfriend leave one of the locations and followed her. The officers then observed the suspect exit a third location. Additional officers and the airship were deployed and after a short foot pursuit the suspect was captured in the area of 12th Avenue and Venice Boulevard.

The suspects vehicle was impounded and will be examined by the Los Angeles Police Departments Scientific Investigative Division.

The suspect was transported to Wilshire Area Community Police Station jail and booked on the warrant. His bail is set at $1,350,000. The suspect is identified as Matthew Gonzalez, a male Hispanic, 21 years of age. Gonzalez is a local Los Angeles city resident from the Mid-City Wilshire Area.

For Release 11:00 am PDT
August 9, 1999