VICTORVILLE, Calif. — A man allegedly wearing a clown mask was arrested in California Tuesday evening, accused of robbery and sexual assault, officials say.
According to a news release from the Victorville Police Department, on Tuesday just after 5 p.m., deputies were called out to the Arrowhead Credit Union for a robbery that happened in the parking lot by their ATM machine. The victim called deputies and stated that she was robbed by a man who was allegedly wearing a white clown mask and a red sweatshirt.
KNBC reported that the suspect had allegedly robbed the woman of $500.
When deputies arrived at the ATM, they quickly found a man matching the description provided by the victim and allegedly found the cash in his backpack, according to KNBC.
VPD later identified the suspect as Joel Hernandez.
VPD said a second victim had called saying she was sexually assaulted and groped in a parking lot of the El Super Market by a man allegedly wearing a white clown mask and a red sweatshirt. VPD said the victim in an interview positively identified Hernandez.
In both investigations, Hernandez was arrested and charged with robbery and sexual battery, according to VPD. His bail was set at $200,000.
Investigators believe that there may be additional victims that have not come forward. Anyone with information on the current investigations or another crime he may be involved in, are asked to contact VPD at 760-241-2911 or dispatch at 760-956-5001. To Remain anonymous, contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463.
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