Props to the Cops: Arrest Made in Sexual Assaults near Dupont Circle

Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit announced that an arrest has been made in regard to a series of sexual assaults that occurred in the area of Dupont Circle Northwest. Two of the assaults occurred in the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue. One assault occurred in the 1900 block of Q Street and the fourth assault occurred at 16th and U Streets. These assaults occurred during the first two weeks of August 2012, and involved a suspect who approached unsuspecting women, touched them in an unlawful manner, and quickly fled.

An investigation by members of the Sexual Assault Unit, along with the assistance of Second District patrol officers, led to the identity of the suspect. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was obtained.

On Thursday, August 23, 2012, at approximately 5:00 pm, members from Sexual Assault Unit arrested 30 year-old Oscar Mauricio Carnejo-Pena Northwest, DC, pursuant to the arrest warrant and charged him with four counts of Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse.

The investigation will continue as detectives try to determine if the suspect is responsible for any additional assaults that have occurred.

“With these types of assaults on the rise, it is good to get this suspect off the streets,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “Women should be able to walk freely without being violated.”