SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, July 19 the Santa Monica Police Department arrested Pablo Carlos Pineda, 35, who has been connected with a series of violent sexual assaults and attacks in Westside, according to a press release from the SMPD.

Authorities are investigating several attacks with the first occurring in Santa Monica on January 13 and another on February 5 on the 1200 block of the beach, another attack on April 15 in Beverly Hills on the 9000 block of Wilshire Boulevard, and a sexual assault on July 2 in West Los Angeles on the 1300 block of Westgate Avenue. These attacks led to a multi-agency taskforce investigation involving the SMPD, the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Forensic evidence and information gathered during the investigation led to the identification of Pineda. Pineda was arrested at the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles, taken into custody, and booked at the Santa Monica Jail. He remains in custody on a $385,000 bail. Pineda was booked on charges of forcible rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and assault by means producing great bodily injury.

Canyon News contacted Lieutenant Saul Rodriguez and is awaiting a reply.

The SMPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying potential victims and witnesses that may be connected to the investigation. Anyone with additional information can contact any of the following authorities: SMPD Detective E. Soto ar (310) 458-8218, BHPD Detective R. Ewans at (310) 285-2160, or LAPD Detective J. Vargas at (213) 486-6931.