A man suspected in a series of attacks on women in the Los Angeles area has been arrested, officials announced Wednesday.
Sergio Andrew Garcia, 21, was wanted in connection with at least eight assaults. He was apprehended in Tijuana Tuesday with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service and was brought back to L.A. County.
During a news conference detailing the arrest, Sheriff Robert Luna called the suspect a “horrible deviant.”
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore, in turn, called Garcia a “vicious assailant.”
The attacks began on July 10, when Garcia allegedly assaulted a woman and tried to remove her clothing as she was walking under the 110 Freeway in downtown L.A., police said.
The following morning in South L.A., Garcia allegedly approached another female from behind, slapped her back, and then ran away.
He was linked to several more attacks that occurred on July 15, police said.
In one case, Garcia allegedly punched a 67-year-old woman and pulled down her pants and underwear while she was working in her East L.A. yard.
In an interview with KTLA, Rosalina Martinez said she thought Garcia was going to rape her. Martinez sustained serious injuries and was transported to L.A. General Medical Center for treatment, according to family members who have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of medical expenses.
“How can somebody do something like this?” Luna said about the attack on Martinez. “When I look at her and I see my grandmother, I see my mother.”
In another incident, Garcia allegedly knocked a female victim unconscious and robbed her as she walked home from church in the Pico Union area.
About 15 minutes later, he allegedly assaulted a fourth female as she was looking in the trunk of her car in the 1300 block of South Burlington Avenue, police said.
Authorities believe Garcia may also be responsible for another attack that occurred that same day. In that incident, 84-year-old Angelica Fieros was beaten and mugged just outside her front door.
Garcia allegedly attacked two other women in East L.A. that day. He allegedly carjacked a 33-year-old woman in the 5000 block of Whittier Boulevard before ditching the car and attacking another victim along Via Corona, Luna said.
A motive behind the crimes is unknown and the incidents remain under investigation.
Garcia was booked on suspicion of robbery, assault with intent to commit rape and penetration with foreign object, Luna said.
Garcia has seven felony arrests but no felony convictions, Luna highlighted. His previous arrests include burglary, assault, attempted murder and cruelty to a child, the sheriff added.
Authorities believe Garcia may be responsible for additional crimes that have yet to be reported. Anyone who has additional information about Garcia, or believes they may have been victimized by him, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
