The Delano Police Department held a press conference Wednesday to announce a suspect has been identified in a 2014 rape of a juvenile in Delano.

Delano Chief of Police Tyson Davis says 56-year-old Rodrigo Munoz Perez has been identified as the man involved in a the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. According to Chief Davis, the incident occurred on August 1st at approximately 7:30 a.m. as the victim was walking to school. While on 8th Avenue, the suspect pulled her into an alley and assaulted her. The victim was able to contact a Good Samaritan who took her to the Delano Police Department. Detectives responded to the scene. They located physical evidence that identified Perez as the suspect.

Chief Davis says Perez is currently in custody in Contra Costa County for similar charges. According to reports in that area, Perez was arrested in December of 2021 and charged with kidnapping, attempted rape, and assault with intent to commit a felony. He will be extradited to Kern County after facing charges in Contra Costa.

Chief Davis adds they are releasing photographs of Perez because they believe Perez may be the suspect in other assaults. He asks anyone with information to contact Delano police.