Jose Roberto Hernandez-Penal of Hyattsville was arrested and charged with first-degree rape, kidnapping and armed robbery in connection with Tuesday’s sexual assault on the Northwest Branch Trail off Columbia Pike in Silver Spring.
According to Montgomery County Police, at about 2:40 p.m. on May 16, Henandez-Penal, 20, approached two adult females who were on the trail, displayed a machete, stole their property and sexually assaulted one of the women before leaving the scene.
As he was fleeing, Hernandez-Penal assaulted an adult male in the 1100 block of Devere Drive, according to police.
He was caught about an hour later, following a search by officers from several departments, K-9 dogs, and a state helicopter. Interviewed by police he “made statements of involvement.”
He is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and weapons-related charges.
Police believe there may be other victims of sexual assault by Hernandez-Pena. They ask anyone who believe they were a victim to contact police at 240-773-5050 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
