Rodrigo Melgar arrested in North Hollywood sexual assault; LAPD seeks additional victims
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the violent sexual assault of a woman who was walking home from a Planet Fitness gym in North Hollywood, and investigators believe there may be additional victims.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified the suspect as Rodrigo Melgar, who is accused of attacking the woman on July 19 near the pedestrian bridge at Laurel Grove Avenue and Valleyheart Drive.
According to investigators, Melgar allegedly approached the victim from behind, grabbed her by the hair, forced her to the ground, and sexually assaulted her. The attack was interrupted when witnesses intervened, causing the suspect to flee.
Police said surveillance images released to the public generated multiple tips, leading detectives to identify Melgar and arrest him while serving a search warrant on August 3.
Melgar was booked on suspicion of sexual penetration with a foreign object. Detectives believe there may be other victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward, noting that the suspect frequently uses public transportation, including local bus routes.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information or who believes they may have encountered the suspect is urged to contact the LAPD North Hollywood Division.
