News Releases

Update: Suspect Arrested for Northwest Branch Rape

For Immediate Release: Saturday, May 10, 2014

On Monday, May 5, Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Montgomery County Police responded to and began a joint investigation for a rape that had just occurred along a trail in the Northwest Branch Park.

Throughout the last four days, investigators from each department shared duties and coordinated efforts with the goal of identifying and charging the individual responsible for this assault.  On the morning of Friday, May 9, park police detectives went back to the area of the scene to look for additional evidence.  While in an area off of the marked trail, they observed a backpack that matched the description the victim stated that the suspect had in his possession during the crime.  As they drew nearer, they saw a male subject who matched the suspect description.  The subject was also wearing a beaded necklace that matched the description that the victim had given.  The park officers detained the subject and he was later transported to Montgomery County Police headquarters.

The subject was questioned by detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division.  During this interview the subject admitted involvement in the assault.  Joaquin A. Orellana Torres, 24 years old, of Hughes Road in Hyattsville, was charged with one count of 1st degree rape and one count of armed robbery.  Bond information is not available at this time.  Bond review will be Monday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. in Rockville District Court.

Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division said, "The arrest of Joaquin Orellana Torres helps to maintain the safe environment for everyone who uses the Montgomery County Park system.  This case was closed quickly due to great work and coordination by detectives from the Montgomery County Police and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police."

PRS

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Release ID: 14-135
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases