UPDATE: Suspect Apprehended on 10/25/2012
On 10/25/2012, at about 8:30 PM, SPD was contacted by an attorney for RYAN JOSEPH FESTA, DOB 12/28/1989. The attorney advised that his client resembled the suspect seen in the composite sketch released by police to the media. He wanted to turn himself in to police. Arrangements were made for FESTA and his attorney to meet detectives at the SPD station on 75th Street. At approximately 9:30 pm, the suspect and his attorney met with detectives at the police station. He invoked his right to remain silent, however, evidence presented during the meeting lead detectives to believe they had probable cause to arrest FESTA for the sexual assault incidents that occurred on 10/18 and 10/24. He was booked into SPD jail and is being held on 2 counts each of Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and 2nd Degree Burglary.
SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENTS
The Scottsdale Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect in two sexual assaults that occurred in the past week in Scottsdale. If anyone has information that would help identify this suspect, they are asked to call The Scottsdale Police Department at 480-312-5000 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377)
The incidents are as follows: Incident #1: Camden San Paloma Apartments, 6980 E. Sahuaro Drive.
On October 18, at about 11:30pm, a suspect entered the victim's apartment through an unlocked patio door. Once inside, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim, a 49 yr old female. The suspect is described by the victim as a black, male in his late teens, 5'8" with a thin build. He had a 1-2" cropped afro, and clean shaven. (See the attached composite sketch). He entered and left the apartment completely naked.
Incident #2: Saddletree Apartments, 10444 N. 69th Street
On October 24, at about 11:30pm, a suspect entered the victim's apartment through an unlocked patio door. The victim, a 29yr old female, was in her house alone when she was confronted by the suspect. He was wearing a light-colored shirt on his head and red shorts. She unsuccessfully attempted to escape numerous times during the violent assault. Victim may have scratched the suspect's face or head during the assault. After sexually assaulting the victim, the suspect ran out the patio door. A witness reports that she saw a similarly described black male near the victim's apartment just after the attack. The victim described the suspect as a black, male in his early twenties, 5'6" with a thin build.
Police are recommending the following personal safety tips that may reduce your risk of becoming a victim:
--Keep your blinds closed at night and lock doors and windows.
--Be aware of your surroundings when going to and from your residence.
--Report all suspicious activity to police immediately.
--Have a safety plan, that includes an escape route, if your are confronted by a suspect in your home.
The decision to actively fight off an attacker is a personal choice dictated by physical abilities and environment, as well as potential weapons available to you or the suspect. Experts in sexual assault prevention recommend avoidance and/or escape if possible. If an assault is imminent, then loudly confront the attacker, scream and make loud noises to attract attention.
