El Monte Police Announce Sought-After Rape Suspect Is In Custody

EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — Police in El Monte Saturday announced the arrest of sought-after rape suspect Joseph Leo Amaya.

The suspect is accused of raping a college student at a convenience store located in the 4100 block of Peck Road last Saturday.

A $5 million arrest warrant was issued for the 18-year-old suspect on Thursday.

Amaya, a reported gang member, was named in a five count felony complaint filed Wednesday in Pomona.

Police said they were aided in identifying the suspect using store surveillance video.

CBS2's Adrianna Weingold reported Amaya is being held on $5 million bail, $1 million for each count of rape.

At a news conference this evening El Monte Police Sgt. Roger Cobian said, "We got him. Thanks to the public's help, the El Monte Police Department has rape suspect Joseph Leo Amaya safely in custody tonight. El Monte detectives have been working tirelessly since the attack ... undercover El Monte police detectives found Amaya in the city of West Covina."

Sgt. Cobian also said West Covina Police were instrumental in helping nab Amaya.

The suspect is accused of confronting the store clerk as she was closing up last Saturday evening.

Police said he blocked the exit and dragged the woman to the back of the store where he raped her.

The alleged victim was hospitalized and released.