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An L.A. County firefighter was arrested yesterday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman near her daughter's elementary school in El Monte.The woman had just dropped her child off at Portrero Elementary School at 2611 Portero Ave. at about 8:15 a.m. when Richard Loken, 38, allegedly sneaked up behind her as she was walking, grabbed her and assaulted her, NBC Los Angeles reports. Loken then left the scene in a black truck and the woman ran, catching the attention of a male witness, according to El Monte police.
The woman also told school authorities what had happened, and they called the police.
Only hours later at about 12:40 p.m., police received a tip concerning a suspicious man in a black truck near the school. Police found Loken inside the truck, and spotted a handgun on the passenger seat. After detaining him, they searched the truck and also found handcuffs and a Taser, and learned that the gun was loaded. Loken was arrested and later identified as the suspect.
Loken has been charged with driving under the influence and having a gun near school grounds, KTLA reports. He arraignment is set for Friday.
Anyone with any information, or who has had a similar experience with Loken, should contact El Monte Police Department by calling 626-580-2114.