Suspect in Rapes Arrested in S.F.

An anonymous tip and a phone number on a pager led Los Angeles police to a man they suspect is the serial rapist who had terrorized at least four women in the San Fernando Valley since Dec. 22, authorities said Friday.

The arrest of 27-year-old Jose Zarate, who was found at a Comfort Inn motel on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco at 2:15 a.m. Thursday, has already prompted calls from more potential victims, police said as they outlined Zarate’s capture.

“This was a coordinated effort between media, police and community,” LAPD Sgt. Willie Guerrero said after a Friday morning news conference.

After a Wednesday press conference about the rapes, an anonymous caller told police where to find a stolen Dodge Neon sought in relation to the crimes. The caller also told them they could find Zarate at a Lombard Street Travelodge in San Francisco, said LAPD Det. Mike Buttitta.

When police arrived at the motel and entered Zarate’s room late Wednesday night, they found a couple who said they did not know the suspect. The couple became more cooperative after police searched the room and found methamphetamine, Zarate’s travel bag and items that may belong to one or more of the victims, Buttitta said.

With information gleaned from the Travelodge room, police went to a residence in nearby Hayward, where they found a pager with the number of a Comfort Inn not far from the Travelodge. Police arrested Zarate there.