Sheriff Luna and others Discuss the Details Surrounding the Apprehension and Arrest of the East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect
On July 15, 2023, at 0613 hours East LA Station deputies were dispatched to a call of an elderly woman who had just been assaulted. In that case the victim was a FH/67. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Fraser Avenue, East LA.
Within 72 hours, East Los Angeles Station detectives worked with LAPD detectives regarding two similar cases they were investigating and obtained possible suspect information.
On July 18, the suspect was identified in the original case out of East LA Station. A public safety flyer was distributed to local media outlets as detectives were serving search warrants at possible locations for the suspect.
While investigating the case, detectives discovered a 2nd possible case involving the same suspect. In that case a FH/84 was assaulted and robbed of her car keys in the 5200 block of Via Corona St, East LA. This case also happened on 07-15-23, at approximately 0650 hours. Detectives from East Los Angeles Station were able to identify Suspect Garcia in that case as well.
The suspect came back on 07-16-23 at approximately 0345 hours and took the victim’s vehicle from when he stole the keys the previous day. Suspect Garcia ultimately crashed that vehicle on 07-16-23 at approximately 0850 hours near the 10 Freeway and Western Avenue.
A third victim came forward after seeing the wanted flyer that was on local news channels. That case happened on July 10th at 0645 hour in the 1200 block of south Woods Avenue, East LA. The victim in that case was a FH/55, who was sexually assaulted by the suspect. Detectives were able to get Suspect Garcia identified as the suspect in that case as well.
East LA Station Detectives began working with detectives from Operation Safe Streets Bureau in an attempt to locate the suspect. Information was developed, that shortly after committing these crimes, the suspect fled to Mexico.
East LA Station detectives met with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and all 3 cases were filed against the suspect.
Operation Safe Streets Bureau detectives coordinated with agents from the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Information was developed of the suspect’s possible whereabouts in Mexico.
On 07-25-23, at approximately 1630 hours, Suspect Garcia was in Tijuana, Mexico. Suspect Garcia was apprehended by Mexican authorities through collaborated information from U.S. Marshals Mexico Foreign Field Office and Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was then transported to Los Angeles County and booked at East LA Station.
Suspect Garcia is facing the following charges: Attempt Murder, Robbery, Assault with the Intent to Commit Rape, and Penetration with a Foreign Object stemming from the 3 cases.
His bail is currently $4,060,000.
Additionally, East LA Detectives learned of a 4th victim. In that case, which occurred on 07-15-23 at approximately 0609 hours, Suspect Garcia carjacked a vehicle with FH/33 inside of it. After only driving a short distance, he exited the vehicle and fled, and shortly after committed the assault on Via Corona. This incident happened in the 5000 block of Whitter Boulevard, East LA.
If you have any information regarding the aforementioned cases, or you are a victim, please contact the East Los Angeles Sheriffs Station at 323-264-4151.
