SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco police announced an arrest Friday in the sexual assault of a minor that took place last week in a Golden Gate Park restroom. San Francisco Interim Police Chief Paul Yep announced the arrest on Friday at a news conference, accompanied by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
The incident occurred on Oct. 23 at approximately 5:30 p.m. Police say a man took a child into a restroom near the Golden Gate Park Polo Fields and groped them. The child was at soccer practice nearby when the assault took place.
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“The SFPD poured resources into this case to get this suspect in custody and bring peace of
mind to our youth, parents and everyone else in San Francisco,” Yep said. “I want to thank
everyone in the SFPD for their diligent and tireless work. This was a team effort.”
The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Dominick Jeremiah Valle-Buitrago of San Francisco. He was arrested on Thursday in Pleasant Hill, police said. He was booked Thursday night in San Francisco Jail on several felony charges, including kidnapping, sexual battery, sexual battery on a minor, and other charges.
Officers focused the investigation on Valle-Buitrago after getting a tip from a parent, police said. Officers conducted surveillance on him while they collected evidence to establish probable cause.
“The crime committed last week against a minor in the Polo Fields bathroom in Golden Gate Park was extremely upsetting,” said Mayor Lurie in a tweet following the press conference. “The safety of our kids is non-negotiable. The SFPD immediately launched an investigation. They acted with urgency and used every available tool, including DNA testing and now, the SFPD has arrested a suspect.”
“My heart goes out to the child and their family during this painful time,” he added. “Your city is here to support you.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Alex Baker and Stephanie Rothman
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