Suspect arrested in linked Tempe sexual assault cases, police say
TEMPE, Ariz. - A man who police say was wanted for a sexual assault in Tempe and who had been linked to two other incidents has been arrested.
On Oct. 14, Tempe Police announced the arrest of Djimon Boggs.
"Earlier today, the Tempe Police Department, in joint efforts with the U.S. Marshals Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force, apprehended 24-year-old Djimon Boggs in connection to the Sexual and Aggravated Assaults that occurred in the area of S. Gary Dr. and E. 8th St," police said.
Djimon Boggs
The investigation began on Oct. 6 after the suspect entered a home near 8th Street and Gary Drive at around 3:41 a.m. Police say he walked in through an unlocked front door and sexually assaulted someone inside.
Police circulated a photo of the suspect in hopes that the public could help solve the case.
He was previously described as a 6' tall Black male with a thin build. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black pants and a dark-colored neck gaiter over his mouth and head.
"We are immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our officers, investigators, and our invaluable partners at the state and federal level. Together, we have successfully apprehended the sexual assault suspect connected to the recent incidents. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective strength, support, and trust of our incredible community. Thank you for your vigilance, cooperation, and commitment to keeping Tempe safe," said Chief Kenneth McCoy on behalf of the Tempe Police Department.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell released a statement on Oct. 15, saying in full, "While we asked that the suspect be held without any opportunity to post bail, we are hopeful that the $1 Million cash-only bond imposed by the Court will be sufficient to protect our community. Bond serves two purposes: It ensures that the community remains safe and assures the Court that the accused will appear at future court dates. We have been and will continue to seek appropriately high bonds for those who are accused of endangering the people of Maricopa County. We have seen the low bond experiment fail in cities throughout the United States. Its days end at Maricopa County."
Now, police say he has been linked to two other incidents - and one of them happened Thursday morning.
At around 5:52 a.m. on Oct. 12, the suspect entered a home through an unlocked back door and approached a woman while she slept.
The man then tried to sexually assault the victim before being scared away by a roommate.
On Sept. 15, the same chain of events happened. The man came in through an open garage door at around 4 a.m. and tried to assault her before being startled by a roommate.
All the attacks happened in the same area, officials said.
Anyone with information should call the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311.
Residents react to sexual assaults: ‘This is just sick’
"They were next to my house next to my place – that’s really bad because anything could happen to my roommates," Sahr Sewah said.
Residents, many of them Arizona State University students, live in this quiet community off of 8th Street and Gary Drive in Tempe. The leasing agency sent them a letter, and according to neighbors, the letter told everyone to lock their doors and keep their garages closed after a man was seen walking in through unlocked doors and assaulting sleeping women inside.
"You know, they're my friends, you know, we talk almost every day, and something like this is just sick," said Sewah. "I don't know why somebody would do that to someone."
"I would like a moment to note, take comfort in knowing we are going to stay steadfast in our investigative efforts, and we definitely want to bring justice to the victims," Sgt. Ron Elcock said.
"Please, especially as it's getting darker earlier at night, make sure you close your garages and check and double-check the doors are locked," Ofc. Kayla Gneck-Smith said. "This Individual is not afraid to check multiple doors."