DNA evidence leads to rape suspect

By Jannise Johnson, Staff Writer

FONTANA - A man suspected in the rape of a woman in October was arrested at his Rialto home Thursday afternoon.

Jorge Almanza, 30, was arrested Thursday at 1:28 p.m. at his home in the 100 block of Acacia Avenue, according to a police statement.

"He was identified via DNA evidence he left behind," Fontana police Sgt. William Megenney said. "Then a photo lineup was constructed based upon the information identifying him through DNA. The victim was able to identify him and the suspect was arrested."

The incident for which Almanza is suspected occurred in October in the area of Sierra and Ceres avenues, the statement said.

Investigators with the Fontana Police Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit obtained forensic evidence Monday that connected Almanza to the crime, the statement said. The victim later identified him as the man who attacked her.

Almanza -- who did not resist arrest -- was taken into custody by the Fontana Police Department Multiple Enforcement Team, the statement said.

He was booked into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of rape and for having warrants out for his arrest.

Since 2000, the suspect has been previously arrested for theft and drug-related crimes, Megenney said. He also has two previous arrests for battery, he said. His last arrest before Thursday was in 2004.

Jannise Johnson can be reached by e-mail at jannise.johnsonor by phone at (909) 483-9318.