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Update on Arrest of Serial Sexual Assault Suspect
October 31, 2006 -- Houston
police have arrested a suspect believed responsible for committing
several sexual assaults against women in the east and southeast
sides of
Houston.
The suspect, identified as Leopoldo Sanchez (H/m,
9-22-76), was arrested late Sunday (Oct. 29) and then questioned
by investigators in the HPD Sex Crimes Unit. At this time, he
is charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in the
176th State District Court for the assault and attack on a woman
on August 15th at 3800 Broadway. The investigation is ongoing,
with investigators attempting to locate all female victims to
view photo spreads in an effort to identify the suspect in their
respective cases. As a result, investigators are urging media
outlets to NOT show any photo of Sanchez until advised by the
police department.
Additional information in these cases will likely
be available tomorrow (Wednesday). No interview requests on this
investigation will be granted today (Tuesday).
The suspect targets young women walking on public
streets late at night, and apparently prefers prostitutes. The
suspect asks a woman if she wants a ride and if the victim refuses
to get into his vehicle, the suspect forces her into his car.
The suspect then drives the victim to a predetermined, remote
area where he sexually assaults her. If the victim refuses to
comply, the suspect becomes violent. In at least three incidents,
the suspect has driven a blue or dark four-door vehicle, possibly
a Chevrolet Impala. In one case, the suspect drove a red Ford
sport utility vehicle with a for sale sign in the window and in
another case the suspect used a four-door white Ford vehicle.
At this time, investigators believe one suspect has access to
these vehicles and is responsible for the following six incidents:
- On June 1, the victim, 22, was at 8200 Gulf Freeway (service
road) and driven to 8600 Gulf Freeway (service road).
- On August 15, the victim, 18, was in the 3800 block of Broadway
and driven to 9100 Carsondale.
- On October 1, the victim, 33, was at 6100 Gulf Freeway (service
road) and driven to 9000 Carsondale.
- On October 6, the victim, 21, was at 2800 Galveston Road
and was sexually assaulted at the same location.
- On October 16, the victim, 26, was walking outside 8003 Howard
and driven to
9200 Carsondale
- On October 25, the victim, 22, was walking in the 8500 block
of La Porte and driven to 9400 Lawndale.
Update JFC/MW 10-31-06
JFC/MW/GO 10-30-06
For additional
information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division a
713-308-3200. |
