A Visalia man who police said robbed and sexually assaulted another man was arrested Monday, the Visalia Police Department reported.
Christopher Alvarez, 23, was arrested after an investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit.
Police said Alvarez forced himself into the victim’s southwest Visalia residence at about 4 p.m. Nov. 30 after the two exchanged information over Grindr, an all-male, location-based social mobile network tool for cellphones that uses GPS technology for people to find each other.
Alvarez arrived at the victim’s residence and was asked to leave by the victim. The suspect then forced his way in and bound and sexually assaulted the victim.
Alvarez then pepper-sprayed the victim as he left. He fled with stolen electronics, including a laptop and cellphone, which were recovered when he was arrested.
The victim sustained bumps and bruises but was otherwise fine, according to Sgt. Amy Watkins, the police department’s public information officer.
Police said they believe that Alvarez may have committed similar crimes in the past and ask that anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents to contact them at 713-4234.
