Man Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting Minor In Banning Captured

BANNING, CA — A man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor during a home burglary in Banning late last year has been apprehended in Georgia, police announced Friday.

DiMarques Travian Washington, 23, of Rialto was taken into custody in the Peach State April 9 after Banning detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was jailed in the southern state, awaiting extradition back to California to face charges, according to the Banning Police Department.

The investigation into Washington began Dec. 15 when Banning police began receiving emergency calls from a residence in the 500 block of North Hathaway Street regarding a burglar in the home.

Callers said the man forced his way into a bedroom and was sexually assaulting a child inside. Family members were able to rescue the victim but the burglar escaped on foot, according to Banning police.

A search for the suspect by Banning police officers was unsuccessful, but detectives were brought onto the case. Through the course of their investigation, they identified Washington as their man.

There was no word from police on what led them to Washington. He had changed his appearance "and fled the state to avoid capture," the Banning Police Department said.

Washington has no documented criminal history in the Riverside County court system, according to court records.