Santa Ana Police make arrest in Child Sex Assault case

Police originally searched for the suspect using this sketch based on the witness's recall

SANTA ANA — In early summer, late on a Thursday night, a man crept through an unlocked window into two sisters’ bedroom, climbed into the top bunk and sexually assaulted an 8-year-old girl. The girl and her 13-year-old sister screamed for help, and their father came to their aid. The assailant fled through the open window and ran away.

Damian Anthony Reyes, shown in an earlier mugshot, was identified by a DNA match.

Detectives have been investigating this crime since the incident occurred on June 29th at 1:30 a.m. According to a Santa Ana Police press release, the victims lived on the 1500 block of North Ross in Santa Ana. An examination of the young victim confirmed the sexual assault and detectives were able to collect a DNA sample of the assailant. They also prepared a composite drawing of the man based on the victims’ feedback.

On Tuesday, detectives were informed that a positive match for the DNA had been found, and based on that evidence, they arrested Damian Anthony Reyes, 26, of Santa Ana, at his home on North King. He was booked into Santa Ana jail on charges of burglary, child molestation by force, with enhancements making this a potential life imprisonment case. He is being held on one million dollars bail.

Damian Reyes in his most recent mugshot, with is hair more closely matching the sketch

Read More:

Orange County Register: DNA links man to sexual assault of 8-year-old girl

LA Times: DNA leads to arrest in sexual assault of Santa Ana girl

Santa Ana Police make arrest in Child Sex Assault case was last modified: January 11th, 2019 by admin
Categories: Headline Story, Orange

About Author

Ken Kiunke

Ken Kiunke is a northern California writer covering Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Sacramento Counties.