Big Bear Lake, CA, March 9, 2016 – The Big Bear Sheriff Station, in partnership with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, is requesting the public’s assistance in locating additional alleged victims in the case regarding suspect William Hernandez, a resident of Big Bear City.
On February 18, 2016, deputies from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department investigated a report of a sexual assault that occurred at the New Kansan Motel. The suspect, William Hernandez, identified himself as a police officer and threatened victim#1 with a handgun before sexually assaulting her. The assault occurred several times over a span of several hours.
During this investigation, Victorville City Station received a report of a similar sexual assault with the suspect identified as William Hernandez. Hernandez again identified himself as a police officerand threatened victim #2 with a handgun before sexually assaulting her.During the assault, victim #2 contactedvictim #3 by phone. Hernandez ordered victim #2 to have victim #3 come to their location. Once victim #3 arrived, Hernandez threatened her with a handgun and sexually assaulted her. During both incidents, Hernandez threatened to arrest them if they did not stay in contact with him.
Rancho Cucamonga Police Detectives, Victorville City Detectives and the Big Bear Station coordinated their investigations and found Hernandez resided in Big Bear. Detectives responded to Big Bear and apprehended Hernandez during a traffic stop. A search warrant was authored and executed at Hernandez’ residence. During the search,evidence was located linking Hernandez to the sexual assaults.
Hernandez was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for several sexual assault charges, and his bail was set at $1,000,000.
Due to the circumstances of these crimes, investigators are concerned there may be additional victims. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or anyone with similar contacts with Hernandez is urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department at (909) 477-2800 or the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2275. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com
