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Surveillance video shows the sexual assault suspect outside an apartment building where he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman. | Photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Department
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A man suspected of following a woman home and sexually assaulting her at her apartment in Echo Park was in custody Friday, authorities said.
Alex Hernandez, 62, who was in custody after having been arrested on suspicion of committing another crime, was to be booked in connection with the Oct. 9 Echo Park assault, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, Hernandez was arrested on Oct. 15 by LAPD officers on suspicion of an undisclosed felony, and he was being held on $1.1 million bail.
Hernandez was being investigated as a possible suspect in other similar assaults, police said.
On Oct. 9, the woman was returning home to her apartment after walking her dog when she was approached by a man who made a comment about her pet, police said.
According to media reports, the suspect pushed the woman’s door open as she was trying to enter.
“The suspect pushed victim to the ground and got on top of her and simultaneously groped her genital area,” police said in a statement reported by ABC 7.
Investigators said the suspect slapped the woman in the face twice and tried covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming, but the woman was able to get the suspect off her by kicking him.
Police say the suspect was seen leaving the apartment complex and heading toward Glendale Boulevard and Montana Street.
Authorities had circulated security images of the Echo Park sexual assault and sought the public’s help to find him. Other possible victims were urged to call police at 877-LAPD-247.
