Fake cop accused of sexually assaulting teen girl

HOUSTON The sexual assault allegedly happened at Plaza America, which used to be known as the old Sharpstown Mall. We found some eerie similarities when we talked to neighbors who say that prior to the attack they had seen the suspect cruising the area trying to pick up young girls.

Angelica Gutierrez says she had a close call with the suspect last month near the Stonegate Apartments off Bellerive in southwest Houston.

"He asked me if I wanted to be a stripper at a strip club - the Penthouse. I said 'No' and I just kept on walking," said Gutierrez. "He drives like a nice car; he was dressed really nice."

A few days later, Gutierrez says her friend was attacked by the same suspect in the same location.

Authorities released a composite sketch of a Hispanic man in his late 20s to early 30s, stands about 5-foot-8 and is described as having a fat belly.

Authorities also released surveillance photos of the suspect walking along the fence line at the Stonegate Apartments, then driving off in a dark green or dark blue 2005 Jeep Liberty.

Houston police say the victim is a 15-year-old girl who the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted on November 18. The girl was waiting outside the apartment complex in the 7200 block of Bellerive when the suspect walked by and struck her on the face. The suspect told her he was an undercover police officer and that she was under arrest, accusing the girl of being in a gang and selling drugs.

Police say the suspect drove her to an area near Lee High School, asked her to point out who she bought drugs from and eventually took her to a parking garage at Sharpstown Mall. The suspect then got her out of the vehicle, beat and kicked her, and then sexually assaulted her. The suspect left the scene in his vehicle and the girl ran inside the mall for help.

Gutierrez says she saw her the same day.

"Oh she was really beat up and that he just grabbed her, put her in the car, beat her up and raped her," said Gutierrez.

When we asked her if it was the same guy who approached her, Gutierrez replied, "Yes, same one. I saw the picture the police officers had."

Authorities say the victim stated the suspect had approached her and asked if she wanted to work at his club or make videos he produces.

Anyone with information in this case or on the identity of the wanted suspect is urged to contact the HPD Major Offenders Division at 713-308-3100, the Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit at 713-531-5800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.