News Releases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Sergio Andrew Garcia has been charged with violently attacking and assaulting eight women in East Los Angeles over the course of three days.

“The charges brought against this individual reflect a series of heinous acts perpetrated against innocent and defenseless women, some of whom were elderly, District Attorney Gascón said. “We will relentlessly pursue the truth, holding the accused accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the victims. Our commitment to safeguarding our communities, particularly our elderly population, remains resolute, and we will spare no effort in our pursuit of a just outcome."

Sergio Andrew Garcia (dob 1/15/02) was charged in case BA516742 with one count of kidnapping for carjacking, three counts of assault by means of course likely to produce great bodily injury, one count of elder or dependent adult abuse, two counts of second-degree robbery, one count of grand theft of an automobile, two counts of assault with the intent to commit a felony, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of battery, and one count of sexual battery. The defendant was arraigned today in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Investigators say on July 10, Garcia allegedly approached the first victim from behind and sexually assaulted her. When she tried to escape, he physically assaulted her.

Shortly thereafter on that same day, Garcia allegedly followed the second victim as she was walking, and sexually and physically assaulted her.

On July 11, the third victim was walking when Garcia allegedly physically assaulted her before fleeing.

Four days later, on July 15, the fourth victim, a 67-year-old woman, was standing outside of her home when Garcia allegedly snuck up behind her and physically assaulted her. He attempted to sexually assault her, but a neighbor intervened.

Less than an hour later that same day, Garcia allegedly approached the fifth victim, an 82-year-old woman, while she was standing at the rear of her vehicle, physically assaulted her with an unknown object and stole her purse. He later returned, physically assaulted the same victim and stole her car keys and vehicle.

Minutes later, Garcia allegedly approached the sixth victim, who was seated inside of her vehicle, and attempted to punch her numerous times in the face. Garcia got into the vehicle and drove away with the victim still inside. She continued to resist him and was able to force him to pull over down the street, at which point he fled.

Later that day, Garcia allegedly approached the seventh victim from behind and struck her several times in the face with his fists, which caused her to fall to the ground. He then stole her belongings and fled.

A short time later, the eighth victim was standing at the trunk of her vehicle when Garcia allegedly approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.