Suspect in 2005 attack identified, being sought

HOUSTON Mabiael Valenzuela, 28, is charged with attempted sexual assault and indecency with a child, according to a Houston Police Department statement.

Police say in March 2005, Valenzuela, armed with a kitchen knife, broke the window of an apartment in the 9200 block of Bellwood and confronted a babysitter and three children in the living room. He allegedly inappropriately touched a six-year-old girl before throwing her into the closet and tossed a five-year-old and an eight-month-old infant on the side of the bed while trying to sexually assault the woman caring for them.

Valenzuela allegedly then stole contents from the woman's purse and fled the scene.

Police investigated leads in 2005 but they went nowhere. In February, the case was reopened and new evidence found at the scene led to the identification of Valenzuela as the primary suspect in the case.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on Tuesday, and the search for his whereabouts is ongoing.

Valenzuela was last seen in the Richmond and Gessner area about six months ago. He is about 5 feet 5 inches tall, 180 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion. He has dark brown/black hair, last seen in a ponytail, and a thin mustache.

Anyone with information in this case or his whereabouts is urged to contact the HPD Juvenile Division at 713-531-5335.