Arrest Made in Horrific Riverside Sexual Assault and Kidnapping Case

Authorities have apprehended a Southern California man in connection with the alleged rape and kidnapping of an intoxicated woman last month in Riverside. Christopher David Garcia, a 37-year-old resident of Colton, was taken into custody on January 10th following an intensive investigation by the Riverside Police Department's Special Victims Unit.

The harrowing incident reportedly unfolded sometime after 10 p.m.

on December 16, 2023. The victim, identified only as a woman in her 20s, had been out near the intersection of Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside. She became separated from her friends and, due to her intoxicated state, was particularly vulnerable. According to investigators, Garcia allegedly took advantage of her condition, committing a series of horrific acts.

The full extent of the charges against Garcia underscores the severity of the allegations.

He faces counts of rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit a felony, sexual penetration by a foreign object, and making criminal threats. The arrest occurred in Colton, where Garcia was located and apprehended without incident. He is currently being held on a substantial $1 million bail, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes he is accused of committing.

Law enforcement officials are not ruling out the possibility that there may be other victims of Garcia's alleged predatory behavior.

The Riverside Police Department has issued a plea to the public, urging anyone with additional information related to this case, or who may have been a victim themselves, to come forward. Witnesses or potential victims can contact Detective Edward Torres at (951) 353-7963 or email ETorres@RiversideCA.gov.

Calls can be made anonymously to provide crucial information that could aid the ongoing investigation.

Garcia was scheduled to appear in court on January 16th to face these grave charges. This arrest brings a measure of relief to the community while also serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to ensure public safety.