San Francisco police arrested a suspect in the Oct. 23 sexual battery of a minor in a restroom at Golden Gate Park, the department said Friday.
Dominick Valle-Buitrago of San Francisco was arrested Thursday in Pleasant Hill, police said.
On Oct. 23 at about 5:30 p.m., officers responded to the Polo Fields to investigate a reported sexual battery in the restrooms, police said. Through witness tips and interviews, investigators were able to narrow in on one suspect.
“We began to focus on that individual after getting a tip from a parent, which was a valuable lead in this case,” police Interim Chief Paul Yep said during a news conference Friday.
Working on those witness tips, investigators conducted surveillance, and when they received enough probable cause, they made the arrest, police said.
“The SFPD poured resources into this case to get this suspect in custody and bring peace of mind to our youth, parents and everyone else in San Francisco,” Yep said. “I want to thank everyone in the SFPD for their diligent and tireless work. This was a team effort.”
The victim is a member of a youth soccer league. Immediately after the alleged assault, the soccer league spread the word to parents and volunteers and directed youth athletes to use the restroom only in pairs or small groups.
“As a father, my heart goes out to the child and their family during this painful time,” Mayor Daniel Lurie said. “Your city is here to support you.”
Valle-Buitrago was booked into San Francisco jail on charges of aggravated kidnapping to commit another crime, lewd act on a child, false imprisonment, assault with intent to commit a felony on a minor, kidnapping, sexual battery and annoying or molesting a child under 18.
The District Attorney’s Office will ultimately determine the charges against the suspect, Yep said.
Valle-Buitrago is expected to be arraigned Tuesday in San Francisco court, the DA said.
Even though there has been an arrest in the case, park rangers will be monitoring the area in the afternoon hours when student athletes are on the Polo Fields, a security camera has been installed to keep an eye on the facilities, and police have increased patrols.