Suspect charged in 4 sex cases with girls walking to and from school may be linked to more
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police have arrested a man who they say is responsible for at least 10 sexual assaults of girls walking to and from school.
"It's definitely a big win for the city to get somebody (like this) off the streets," said Houston police officer Marcos Betancort.
Charges have been filed against a suspect believed to be involved in at least four sexual cases with girls walking to and from school and may be linked to more in the northeast Houston and Harris County areas.
Carlos Jose Ayala, 35, is charged with four counts of indecency with a child and one count of felony evading in the 184th State District Court.
Ayala's suspected cases span from June 2014- Feb 2017.
The victims range in age from 7 to 15 years of age. Many of the victims traveled to and from school in the Denver Harbor area near the East Freeway.
In each incident, the victims reported a similar suspect and a 2007 dark blue Toyota sedan vehicle description.
In the incidents that occurred within Houston city limits, Ayala would allegedly come up behind the victims and inappropriately touch them through their clothing. In one incident, reportedly Ayala attempted to abduct one of the victims, a 7 year-old female, as she walked home from school with her 9-year-old brother.
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The children told police Ayala drove past them several times and then parked near them. Police say Ayala exited his vehicle, opened the back door and approached the girl. He then assaulted the victim and attempted to put her in the back seat of his car, according to police. Police say the girl's brother yelled at Ayala, which caused him to put her down and drive away.
After receiving information on Ayala's vehicle, officers attempted a traffic stop, but Ayala refused to stop. He then led police on a short chase.
Ayala was then taken into custody without incident. Police say he admitted to the sexual assault incident on Shotwell and was positively identified by victims in at least three other incidents.
Police believe there are likely other victims, which they may not yet know about.
If you have any information you can contact the HPD Northeast Divisional Gang Unit at (713) 635-0200.
