Man arrested after allegedly breaking into woman's home near West U, sexually assaulting her: HPD
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Residents at apartment complexes near West University Place and River Oaks are relieved after a man was arrested and charged with multiple counts of attempted sexual assault.
Jose Dela Garza is charged with two counts of attempted sex assault and one count of burglary from a brazen break-in caught on the victim's surveillance video inside her apartment at the Village and West University, which happened on June 12.
Houston police also confirmed they believe Dela Garza is linked to several peeping tom cases at the Inverness at River Oaks apartment since January and March of this year.
ABC13 was the first to report that HPD was linking the two separate incidents back in June, based on surveillance videos provided by both victims.
SEE ORIGINAL REPORT: Houston police searching for man who broke into woman's apartment and sexually assaulted her
The videos are shocking. They show a man prowling inside a victim's living room at 6 a.m. on June 12. Police say that man is Dela Garza, who is now charged with one count of burglary with intent to commit another felony and two counts of sexual assault. Here he is at his initial court appearance a few weeks ago.
"It's alleged you entered complaining witness's residence while she was sleeping, you went to her bedroom and put your hand over her mouth and told her to be quiet," read out a magistrate judge during that initial hearing. He then read out details on how Dela Garza attempted to have the woman perform oral sex and also penetrate her. Court documents show the woman fought back, and Dela Garza allegedly ran away from the apartments.
The arrest is good news for Quenton Charlot, who lives at the Village at West U but had not heard about the break in the case until we told him today.
"Once we heard about it, everyone was on edge," Charlot said. "Even when I was coming home at night, we were watching to see if I either seen or see someone who matches that description."
Also anxious for answers is the woman whose cameras captured these videos back in January and March at the Inverness Apartments in River Oaks. Houston police have linked these videos to the Village at West U. cases. But so far, Dela Garza has not yet been charged in the River Oaks incidents.
"Well, it's good he's facing charges. Hopefully he's facing full extent of the law," Charlot said. "I guess my biggest concern is if he's responsible for more crimes, hopefully people will come forward and he will face more charges."
Dela Garza's attorney told ABC13 over the phone that he does expect additional charges. Though he's uncertain when that will occur. Dela Garza is currently out on bond.
