An elderly woman fell victim to a sexual assault in her own home after a man deceived his way inside, the Long Beach Police Department reported. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Kevin Parks of Long Beach, has been arrested and faces multiple charges following the Feb. 9 incident at 3rd Street and Temple Avenue.
Law enforcement officers were initially called to the scene for a report of a residential burglary but soon discovered a far more heinous crime had taken place. According to the Long Beach Police Department, Parks allegedly claimed to know the victim's son in order to gain entrance before sexually assaulting her. After the attack, the suspect fled, prompting a manhunt by the police.
The LBPD's swift response included canvassing the area for security footage and witnesses, with the help of the Neighborhood Safety Bike Team engaging the community. Their efforts were crucial in raising public awareness and aid, as LBPD had released a sexual assault suspect bulletin seeking help in identifying Parks. This outreach, complemented by rigorous detective work, led to the suspect's identification late on Feb. 9.
Acting on the evidence gathered, detectives apprehended Parks the following day as he got into his vehicle on the 1300 block of Magnolia Avenue. The arrest, reportedly carried out without incident, led to the discovery and seizure of a firearm in Parks' possession. Charged with rape by force and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Parks now sits behind bars with his bail set at $1 million. "The exploitation of our most vulnerable community members is abhorrent," Chief of Police Wally Hebeish conveyed in a statement. "While I remain troubled and saddened by this reprehensible act, I am thankful for the employees of the Long Beach Police Department and the numerous hours they spent working non-stop to identify and promptly arrest this suspect."
Parks' future now hinges on the legal system, as residents of Long Beach process the gravity of this invasion that turned their neighborhood into a crime scene. As the investigation continues, the LBPD urges anyone with further information to come forward and contact their Sex Crimes Detail.
