North Park residents thank police
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The residents of the North Park community have been on edge since April 30th, when reports spread of an attack on a woman walking alone after dark.
Monday night, for the first time in months, a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, and the residences did it North Park style.
North Park businessman Joel Herzer’s restaurant took a hit during the crime spree.
Police put out a drag-net.
Around the clock patrols, a highly visible presence, and plain-clothed detectives blending in, gathering evidence, looking for a serial assailant.
Then, a security camera caught an image that is now credited with leading to an arrest.
23 year-old David Angelo Drake was arrested and arraigned on a $5 million bail.
He pleaded no guilty to 18 counts of assault and sex assault.
His attorney said the case was one of mistaken identity.
Whether or not cops cuffed the right man, the people who live, work, and play in North Park are relieved.
No one more so than Marianne Byrd, who took up Tae Quan Do and become a fourth degree orange belt.
Residents of North Park celebrated Monday night with a party. A restaurant opened its doors and people thanked police.
There is still another suspect in another assault that happened on June 17th.
The description 5’7 to 5’8, 22 to 23 years-old, wearing a black and white checkered shirt at the time of the attack, and is wearing braces.
The now familiar refrain in the community is, if you see something, say something
