A suspect identified through DNA evidence has been arrested in connection with a series of sexual assaults and rapes in Grenoble and its outskirts by a man riding a scooter. The suspect, a 22-year-old man from Fontaine, a neighboring town, was apprehended by investigators from the local judicial police service. The DNA analysis linked him to one of the cases involving a rape, with other investigations still ongoing. The public prosecutor of Grenoble, Eric Vaillant, stated that a press conference would be held following the suspect’s appearance before the examining magistrate.
The judicial inquiry, initiated on March 29, pertains to seven incidents including two rapes, one attempted rape, one sexual assault, and violence committed between February 8 and March 16. Specific details include two rapes in Grenoble and Saint-Martin-d’Hères on March 11 and 16, an attempted rape in Grenoble on March 16, a sexual assault and armed violence in Grenoble on February 17, attempted extortion in Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux on February 8, and violence in Grenoble on the same day. The prosecutor mentioned that two additional incidents initially linked to these cases had been ruled out by investigators, but a potential eighth case involving a woman assaulted in December 17, 2023, has emerged.
The recent arrest has led to a sense of fear among the population, with women avoiding going out alone at night. The perpetrator, described as a 20-year-old Caucasian man with a height of around 1.70 meters, brown eyes, pale complexion, and reddish hair, carried out the attacks alone while riding a black scooter. The public prosecutor emphasized the importance of the meticulous work of the police in locating the perpetrator, with multiple witness testimonies aiding the investigation. The diligent efforts of the judiciary and law enforcement personnel were highlighted in the pursuit of justice in these cases.
The dissemination of the description of the rapist led to the gathering of numerous testimonies, all of which are being carefully assessed by investigators. The prosecutor assured that the public prosecutor’s office in Grenoble and the police are fully committed to resolving these cases. The ongoing investigation into the series of assaults and rapes highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in ensuring the safety of the community. The arrest of the suspect based on DNA evidence marks a significant advancement in the case, offering hope for justice for the victims and their families. The public prosecutor’s announcement of a press conference indicates a forthcoming update on the progress of the investigation.
