x
Breaking News
More () »

Arrest made in Balboa Park sexual assault case

San Diego police are investigating a sexual assault Friday morning.

SAN DIEGO (CBS8/CNS) - A 27-year-old Chula Vista man was arrested Saturday night for the rape of a woman near Balboa Park Thursday and he may be a suspect in an attempted kidnapping, according to San Diego Police.

Ismael Hernandez, Jr. was taken into custody by SDPD detectives at about 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Broadway in Chula Vista.

He was booked into San Diego Central Jail shortly after 3 a.m. today on suspicion of 10 felonies, including rape by force; kidnapping for rape; penetration by a foreign object; oral copulation by force; three counts of attempted sexual assault; using a dangerous weapon during an assault; making a criminal threat; and false imprisonment, according to Capt. Brian Ahearn.

The reported rape happened Thursday at about 10 p.m. when a woman, who was walking alone in the 1600 block of 8th Avenue, was accosted by a knife wielding man who forced her to walk into Balboa Park. The suspect reportedly threatened the victim at knifepoint before sexually assaulting her.

The woman was then forced at knifepoint to walk to the 1600 block of 9th Avenue, where she was sexually assaulted for a second time. The suspect then fled the area and a crime bulletin with a composite sketch was released by SDPD.

Soon after the release of the composite sketch, an additional victim came forward to report that someone had attempted to kidnap her as well, according to police. Detectives are investigating this alleged crime as well, with Hernandez as their prime suspect. 

The case is ongoing and detectives are still seeking more tips, leads and evidence, according to Capt. Ahearn. Additional charges may be sought against Hernandez.  

Before You Leave, Check This Out