Visalia police say they have arrested a suspect in the brutal beating and sexual assault of a woman found downtown early Monday morning.
Josue Hernandez-Estrada was arrested when officers spotted his car just after 6:30 Tuesday night. The 28 year old was charged with attempted murder, forcible rape and sodomy charges. Police do not believe he knew his victim.
The 56-year-old woman left to die in the street Monday morning. She is currently listed in critical condition at a Fresno hospital.
The rape is the city's 41st case this year. A 54% increase in the number of cases over 2010.
It sounds alarming but Jason Salazer with Visalia Police said there's more to it, "We're not seeing an increase in the crime... what we are seeing is people are reporting them more frequently."
TXT 24
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