DNA Sample Linked Former College Lifeguard to College Rape’s

"DNA Sample Linked Former College Lifeguard to College Rape’s"
 
Los Angeles- Robbery-Homicide Division is seeking the public’s assistance in locating any additional victim’s or information regarding a rape suspect on or around the Pierce or Valley College campuses.
Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested a suspect for the rape of a female college student that had occurred on the Pierce Community College campus back in January 2001. The victim had been attending classes and was assaulted in a women’s bathroom during a class break by an armed suspect who was lying in wait.
The suspect, 24 year-old Pablo Lopez was employed as a lifeguard at the college’s community pool at the time. Lopez only recently became a suspect after he was identified and arrested by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for recent indecent exposure incidents on the Pierce and Valley College campuses. A Los Angeles’s Sheriff’s detective supervisor remembered the campus rape from 2001 and notified the Los Angeles Police Department. Los Angeles Police Department detective’s obtained a DNA sample from Lopez, which ultimately linked him to the crime.
On October 3, 2003, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed criminal charges against Lopez for the sexual assault. Further investigation by the Los Angele’s Sheriff’s Department and by Los Angeles Police detectives have linked Lopez to other incidents of indecent exposure reported on and around the Pierce and Valley College campuses.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-485-2531. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.