Dennis RomeroUpdated after the jump: The teen suspect at-large was arrested this morning.
The attack shocked even veteran cops.
They say an 11-year-old girl was raped by at least 7 young gang members at a Moreno Valley park. Over the weekend Riverside County Sheriff's officials revealed that one of the suspects, 19-year-old Michael Sykes, could be in the metro L.A. area as we speak.
Six suspects, all underage, have already been arrested.
The attack at Victoriano Park in the 25700 block of Los Cabos Drive happened in a public restroom sometime before 9 p.m. on March 10. Why did it take so long for sheriff's officials to report it?
Cops won't say, only telling the Riverside Press-Enterprise that it's not uncommon to keep such a crime under wraps for fear of mucking up an investigation.
Authorities said the six were caught immediately and booked on suspicion of sexual assault on a child. A sheriff's statement:
Michael Sykes.; Credit: Riverside County Sheriff.
It is believed Sykes has since fled to the Los Angeles area, and a warrant for his arrest will be issued. All suspects involved in this investigation are suspected gang members and associates of a local street gang in Moreno Valley.
It shocks you to your core,” Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff told the Press-Enterprise. “It never ceases to amaze me how vicious these things can be.”
Anyone with information on suspect Sykes or the attack was asked to call Det. Duke Viveros at 951-247-8700.
Update: Authorities said they nabbed Sykes at a Moreno Valley home this morning, according to KTLA News.
First posted at 8:09 a.m. Monday, March 28.
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