A man who was suspected of sexually assaulting at least three women in South Los Angeles Wetlands Park since October is in custody, police said Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Secundino Rodriguez, was arrested Thursday after someone at the park recognized him and called the police, said Detective Karen Garay of the LAPD Newton Division.
LAPD Newton Area held a news conference Monday afternoon to provide information and to thank the community for its assistance in the arrest.
On March 15, detectives released a composite sketch of the man, which drew in thousands of tips and leads from the public.
Two out of the three women identified the suspect, who is a transient, as the man who they say sexually assaulted them.
A photo of the suspect has not been released.
Detectives were asking everyone who uses the park to be on high alert.
“Females have been in the park exercising, walking, he approaches them, sexually assaults them physically. Holds them down,” said Officer Valentine Flores of LAPD’s Newton Division Sex Crimes Unit.
Each time, the women fought back, which they believe may have saved their lives, police said.
News
Top news of the day
“We believe that he is the same suspect who has committed the three sexual assaults and we believe there may be many more that have not been reported yet,” said Cmdr. Michael Rimkunas.
Neighbors said they were on edge at the park near Avalon Boulevard and 54th Street.
“Parks are for the people. And once you feel that you can’t go to the park, that’s terrible,” said Donna Wright. “My mind says I hope they catch him.”
It’s led to a change in routine for those who thought they were safe.
“I usually run to this park and I actually feel safe,” said Jocelyn Hernandez. “Once I heard about it right now, I’m nervous about it right now, actually.”
