Chandler Police looking for suspect in cold case sexual assault | Crime Files

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler Police are asking for help from the public as they try to look for a suspect in connection with a sexual assault that happened decades ago.

Here's what to know.

Who's the suspect?

(Courtesy: Chandler Police Department)

Chandler Police say they have not been able to identify the suspect, but they describe the man as:

• 18–25 years old at the time of the crime, meaning he is in his late 40s to early 50s at the present time.
• 5'10" tall, with short spiky hair.
• Having light-colored eyes.
• Wore glasses.

Chandler Police say they are looking into doing an age progression sketch for the suspect.

What happened?

The incident happened in October 1991, but police say they first received a report of it in October 2024.

"I can't speculate on why it took so long to report. What I can tell you is that we learned about this case in October 2024, and our detectives have been working diligently to try to establish as much information as they can. In this situation, we're being reactive to the information we're getting," said Sgt. Ricardo Gonzales with the Chandler Police Department.

Investigators say the incident happened during the afternoon hours at Apache Park, which is located near Knox Road and Alma School Road.

"At the time, the juvenile victim was middle school-aged," said Sgt. Gonzales. "They were there playing with a group of friends when they separated so she could go to the restroom. They got to the restroom. They were physically and sexually assaulted by the suspect."

Using information from the victim and witnesses, a sketch was drawn of what the suspect would have looked like at the time of the alleged attack.

With limited details to go off of, Chandler PD is hoping by releasing the sketch, it will jog someone's memory.

"We try to engage with the community throughout the year. At the officer level, detective level, school resource officers in the schools, to really hammer home reporting things as soon as they happen," Sgt. Gonzales said.

What should people do?

Chandler Police say people with information about the incident, as well as those who know who the suspect is, can leave an anonymous tip by calling (480) 782-4494.

"If this person is identified, they'll be interviewed, and in terms of what happens after the fact, that's up for the detectives to decide, based on the information they have available," said Sgt. Gonzales.