A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that occurred in the Valley Village area last month, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday.
Rodrigo Melgar was taken into custody around 10 a.m. Monday, according to LAPD.
Investigators said Melgar followed a woman home from a North Hollywood gym on July 19 around 8:30 p.m. before sexually assaulting her.
Police said the suspect approached the woman from behind during the attack. The assault was interrupted by witnesses, causing the suspect to flee before it could escalate further.
Public tips and media coverage helped detectives identify Melgar on July 31, according to LAPD.
Detectives said they believe additional victims or witnesses may not have come forward. Investigators noted Melgar frequently uses public transportation, including local bus routes, as his primary means of travel.
LAPD detectives said they believe Melgar targeted women outside other area gyms.
The arrest has left nearby residents uneasy about their safety.
“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 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.