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NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a violent sexual assault that occurred in the Valley Village area last month, Los Angeles police announced Monday.
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The suspect, identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as Rodrigo Melgar, was arrested Monday at around 10 a.m.
Melgar assaulted a woman after allegedly following her home from a North Hollywood gym on July 19 around 8:30 p.m.
Police said he approached the woman from behind and assaulted her. Investigators said the attack was interrupted by witnesses, causing the suspect to flee before the assault escalated further.
According to LAPD, multiple tips from members of the public and media coverage led detectives to identify Melgar on July 31.
Detectives said they believe there may be additional victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward. Investigators noted that Melgar is known to frequently use public transportation, including local bus routes, as his primary means of transportation.
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LAPD detectives told Eyewitness News they believe Melgar targeted women outside other area gyms.
“It honestly made me feel kind of scary because I’m like around the area so especially heard it happened around the gym, so it made me kind of wonder if it’s the gym that I go to. But yeah, it’s a pretty scary situation,” said area resident Jessica Orazco.
“It’s terrible. You come to the gym to work out and take care of your mental health and then that comes out and then that’s just more traumatizing for you,” said another resident, Mel Vasquez.
“Makes me really scared honestly. I come here alone so, I don’t know, I guess I’m gonna start having to bring my boyfriend or someone else with me,” said Nicole, of North Hollywood.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact LAPD’s North Hollywood Sex Detectives at (818) 754-8458. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call (800) 222-8477.
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