Attempted Rape, Assault Suspect Arrested: SMPD Seeks More Victims

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica police Tuesday sought additional victims who may have encountered a man who was arrested on suspicion of assaulting and attempting to rape a woman in Santa Monica.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, 27-year-old Fernando Vinicio Chavez met the woman while working in Downtown Los Angeles. Police said the pair agreed to meet in Santa Monica after Chavez finished his shift.

"They went to the beach in Santa Monica where Chavez violently assaulted her after the victim refused to have sex with him," SMPD said in a statement.

Police arrested Chavez on Aug. 4 on suspicion of assault to commit rape, authorities said.

Chavez is currently in custody in Orange County without bail on suspicion of assault to commit rape and forcible penetration with a foreign object, SMPD said.

SMPD officials are seeking additional victims who may have encountered Chavez or experienced similar incidents.

Anyone with additional information was urged to contact Detective Jacob Holloway at 310-458-8934, Detective Brian Spencer at 310-458-8420 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931. For after-hours calls, the SMPD Watch Commander is available 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.