Warrant obtained for suspect’s arrest
On Sept. 8 at approximately 8:42 p.m., an adult female was sexually assaulted while walking in the 2300 block of S. Santa Anita Avenue. The suspect approached the victim from the rear, grabbed her and forcefully moved her behind a hedge where he sexually assaulted her.
The victim was ultimately able to escape and run away from the suspect. The suspect fled northbound on Santa Anita Avenue on a silver or metal colored BMX style bicycle.
DNA recovered during the investigation has identified the suspect as 27 year-old El Monte resident, Robert Anthony Padilla. Padilla is described as a 6-foot-1 male Hispanic and is believed to be transient at this time. Padilla is known to frequent the N. El Monte area and surrounding cities.
The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and a felony warrant was obtained for Robert Padilla’s arrest. Padilla’s bail has been set at $1,450,000.00
Arcadia Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Padilla. If located, do not attempt to contact Padilla on your own. Rather, immediately call your local law enforcement agency with information on his whereabouts.
The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5156, Case # 18-4073. For providing anonymous information, you may call Crime Stoppers by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile app on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website lacrimestoppers.org
