Van Nuys Rape Investigation NR18254RB

Van Nuys: The Los Angeles Police
Department Van Nuys Area is asking for the public’s help in
providing any information that would lead to locating additional
potential victims of an UBER and Lyft driver.

On October 2, 2018, around 10:00 PM, a resident of Van Nuys was
leaving a local pub, when she summoned the services of a Lyft
driver to provide her a ride home. When they arrived in the area of
the victims residence and prior to her exiting the suspect’s
vehicle, she was sexually assaulted. The victim reported the
incident to officers of the Los Angeles Police Department and
detectives from Van Nuys Division initiated the
investigation.

After investigation, Detectives were able to identify the suspect
as Octavio Alvarez Gomez, 37 years old. A surveillance was
conducted and the suspect was apprehended while continuing his work
as a Lyft driver. Gomez was booked for ):
209(b)(1) PC- Kidnap with the Intent to commit a Sexual
Assault
261(a)(2) PC- Rape
289(a) 1 PC – Sexual Penetration with a Foreign Object
243.4(a) PC- Felony Sexual Battery
Bail Amount- $2,225,000

Octavio Alvarez Gomez

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Van Nuys Area,
Los Angeles Police Department, at (818) 374-9500. During
non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous
should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters
may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number
274637(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipster may also go
to LAPDonline.org, Click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.