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19-Year-Old Arrested in Golden Gate Park Child Assault as DA Weighs Charges

Prosecutors are reviewing evidence after an arrest tied to expedited DNA testing prompted by a parent tip.

Overview

  • San Francisco police arrested Dominick Jeremiah Valle-Buitrago, 19, in Pleasant Hill and booked him into county jail without bail on multiple felony counts including kidnapping, lewd act upon a child, sexual battery, false imprisonment and child molestation.
  • The Oct. 23 assault happened in a restroom near the Polo Fields during youth soccer practice, where police say a man took a young player inside and groped her.
  • Interim Chief Paul Yep said the crime lab fast-tracked DNA analysis and investigators acted on a parent’s tip, conducting surveillance before making the arrest.
  • District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said charging decisions are expected Monday with arraignment set for Tuesday, and investigators are assessing whether a report from Oct. 22 is connected.
  • City agencies increased security at the Polo Fields with a stationed park ranger during after-school hours, added patrols and a new security camera, while officials encouraged further tips to SFPD.