Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault in Church NR17141ti

Hollenbeck: The Los Angeles
Police Department’s Hollenbeck Detectives are seeking additional
witnesses or victims who may have had contact with James
Melendez.

On May 6, 2017, around 10:40 a.m., the victim was attacked in the
Sacristy room belonging to a local Church located in 3300 block of
Opal Street in the City of Los Angeles.

The victim encountered Melendez in the church and he attacked her.
The victim defended herself and her resistance caused Melendez to
flee the church grounds in his vehicle. Melendez’s vehicle was
later located and impounded by police.

On May 9, 2017,
50-year-old James Melendez, a resident of Los Angeles was arrested.
He was booked for 220(a)(1) PC – Assault with the Intent to Commit
Sexual Assault. Melendez is currently in custody and being held on
$100,000 bail, and Hollenbeck Detectives are seeking additional
victims.

Anyone with information about additional victims is asked to call
Hollenbeck Area Detectives-Sex crimes Detail at (323) 342-8995.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed
to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to
www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.