RWC Cop's Instincts Led To San Mateo Rape Suspect's Arrest

REDWOOD CITY, CA – A Redwood City police officer is being recognized for his role in one of the Peninsula’s most high-profile arrests this year, the agency announced on Twitter.

Officer Albert Lopez recognized the photo of a homeless man the San Mateo Police Department had identified as the suspect in the rape and brutal beating of a 62-year-old woman from a contact in 2018.

Chief Mulholland congratulated Officer Albert Lopez today for identifying a suspect in a violent rape incident that occurred in the City of San Mateo. His excellent follow up resulted in a violent felon being taken off the streets.@RedwoodCityPD @SanMateoPD pic.twitter.com/e8UfOj0f7o
— Redwood City Police (@RedwoodCityPD) August 13, 2020

“Chief Mulholland congratulated Officer Albert Lopez today for identifying a suspect in a violent rape incident that occurred in the City of San Mateo,” the Redwood City Police Department tweeted.

“His excellent follow up resulted in a violent felon being taken off the streets.”

Lopez’s instincts led to the arrest of 27-year-old Alejandro Venegas Guevara.

The San Mateo Police Department recognized Lopez's work too.

Thank you for the invaluable assistance.
— San Mateo PD (@SanMateoPD) August 14, 2020

Guevara was arrested on suspicion of rape Tuesday Police for the alleged attack that police said left a woman hospitalized. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 5 at around 10:40 p.m. at 9th Avenue and S El Camino Real while the woman was waiting at a bus stop, police said.

A fundraising drive established by the San Mateo Police Officers Association in support of the alleged victim had already raised more than $100,000 since the campaign as of Friday.

The SMPOA is soliciting donations on a GoFundMe drive among other platforms.

The funds are needed to help a woman who was badly beaten during the alleged assault and is currently fighting for her life at a local trauma center according to police.

The woman is the sole provider for two young children and a caregiver for her 90-year-old mother, police said.

Police said the woman is in dire need of financial assistance.

"These are the real-life effects of victimization, not to mention the mental health ramifications of experiencing such trauma," the SMPOA said in a statement.

"Our police officers see the seriousness of this case, and that's why we're reaching out to you."

SMPOA President Rory McMilton said in a statement that the alleged victim's plight has brought in donations from throughout the country.

"This heinous crime has shaken our community, however, the support she's receiving is the silver lining," McMilton said. "We will be advocating for aggressive prosecution of the suspect, and have confidence he will be given the highest possible sentence afforded to him under California law."

How to help:

• Contribute to the Compassionate Fundraising After Rape Crisis GoFundMe.
• Contribute by using PayPal or Venmo and writing "Rape Victim Support" in the notes section.
• Contribute in person by visiting any Police Credit Union and mentioning the San Mateo Police Officers' Association Crime Survivor Fund.