SF Arrests Suspect in Golden Gate Park Assault

San Francisco police arrested 19-year-old Dominick Jeremiah Valle-Buitrago in the Oct. 23 sexual assault and kidnapping of a child inside a restroom near the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park during youth soccer practice. Valle-Buitrago was arrested Thursday in Pleasant Hill and booked into San Francisco County Jail on multiple felony counts — including kidnapping, lewd acts on a child, sexual battery, false imprisonment and related charges — and is being held without bail while the District Attorney’s office reviews evidence and prepares formal charges and an arraignment. Investigators, led by Interim Police Chief Paul Yep, said expedited DNA testing, a parent tip, surveillance and witness interviews narrowed suspects and produced the arrest, and officials say they are confident he acted alone. Mayor Daniel Lurie, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and other city leaders joined Yep at a news conference and said the arrest should bring peace of mind to families. Rec & Park and SFPD have increased patrols, stationed a ranger near the restrooms during after-school hours and installed a security camera to reassure families, and officials said charging decisions are expected early next week.