A Long Beach man was charged Jan. 9 with multiple crimes after he was arrested Jan. 4 for impersonating a police officer and sexually assaulting a woman, according to authorities.
The incident occurred Dec. 27 when Martin Lopez, 55, allegedly approached a woman leaving a restaurant.
Authorities said they believe he flashed a badge falsely identifying himself as a police officer, and sexually assaulted the woman under the pretense of a “search,” and then attempted unsuccessfully to get the woman inside his vehicle.
He fled the scene after being confronted by multiple people who witnessed the assault, authorities said.
He is currently jailed with a bail of $2.5 million, according to a Jan. 9 joint press release from Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón’s office and Long Beach police.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish urged anyone who may have also been a victim of Mr. Lopez to come forward to assist the district attorney for prosecution.
“This arrest is a testament to our commitment to bringing justice to victims and getting dangerous suspects out of our community,” Mr. Hebeish said in the news release. “We urge anyone who may have also been a victim of this suspect to please come forward and we stand ready to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of this case.”
Mr. Lopez faces charges on one count of attempted kidnapping to commit another crime; one count of sexual battery by restraint; and one count of second-degree robbery, according to the district attorney’s office.
Officials further alleged that Mr. Lopez had previously been convicted of two or more violent felonies.
If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of 77 years to life in prison.
Mr. Lopez will be arraigned Jan. 24 at the Long Beach Courthouse.
