Detectives arrested a North Hollywood man accused of attacking five women, sometimes targeting seniors at an assisted living home
Los Angeles Police are asking for help from anyone with information about an alleged serial rapist who targeted elderly women in the Northridge-Chatsworth area.
Last week, police arrested 32-year-old Danilo Arturo Gonzalez, of North Hollywood on suspicion of sexually assaulting five women, including three inside a Northridge senior care facility. The victims ranged in age from 66 to 87-years-old.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the attacks started in March of last year.
“A 66 year old victim was walking to her home near Cozycroft Avenue and Mayall Street, when the suspect came up to her, rendered her unconscious, and then sexually assaulted her,” a department spokesperson said.
In July, a rapist entered the senior care facility at Lindley Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge through an unlocked sliding glass door. He entered the room of an 81-year-old woman and sexually assaulted her, according to police.
In September, police alleged Gonzalez used an unlocked sliding glass door once again to enter the home of a 71-year-old woman at the 18600 block of Vintage Street in Northridge, sexually assaulting her and fleeing the scene.
The last attack happened on Friday.
“The suspect entered the room of an 81 year old victim’s room at a senior care facility near Lindley Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge, through an unsecured sliding glass door,” according to police. “The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then went to the room of an 87-year-old victim where he attempted to sexually assault her before leaving the location.”
Detectives arrested Gonzales the next day on suspicion of assault with the Intent to commit a sex offense during the course of a burglary. He is being held on $2,150,000 bail.
Pacifica Senior Living declined to comment on any protections they put in place for their residents in between the attacks.
“Our thoughts and prayers right now are for our resident’s well-being and their family. We are pleased that the perpetrator of this crime has been apprehended,” the company said in a written statement. “We are very thankful and appreciative of the support of the LAPD. We continue to be committed to the happiness and safety of our residents, as we have been over the last eight years of ownership.”
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Kimberly Fairchild, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Assault Section, at (213) 486-6910.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).