October 16, 2013 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division have arrested a sexual assault suspect who posed as a police officer and are urging any other victims to come forward to report similar crimes.

The suspect, Francisco Jose Ugarte (H/m, DOB: 7-9-67), is charged with two counts of sexual assault in the 228th State District Court. A photo of Ugarte is not available at this time as investigators await more possible victims to come forward.

Investigators are releasing a photo of the suspect's vehicle, a 2008 maroon BMW, should other females recognize it and want to report contact with the suspect. The suspect, Ugarte, is Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. He has a light complexion, straight dark hair, a medium build and was not clean shaven.

About 1:30 a.m. last Thursday (Oct. 10), a female, 31, discovered her vehicle had a flat tire and pulled into an Exxon Station at 1200 Dairy Ashford at the Katy Freeway service road. As she examined her car, the suspect asked about her tire and flashed what she believed to be a law enforcement badge. The male then stated she should not be driving under her condition and asked for her identification, which she gave to him. The suspect then took her cellphone. The female, believing the suspect was a police officer, agreed to let the suspect take her home in his vehicle. Instead of taking her to her residence, he drove her to an unknown parking garage in the area where he sexually assaulted the woman. The suspect then left in his vehicle and the victim walked back to the gas station and summoned help.

Further investigation led to the identity of Ugarte as the suspect in this case and he was arrested last Saturday (Oct. 12) without incident.

JFC/VHS 10-16-13
Inc #127171513