Police make arrest in sexual assault of a minor

Las Vegas police arrested a man Friday in connection with the sexual assault of a girl on her way to school.

Metro detectives received information about the sexual assault of a minor that occurred at approximately 6 a.m. Thursday. They identified and later arrested 25-year-old Reginald Deangelo Davis of Las Vegas, near his home in the 5800 block of West Lake Mead Boulevard.

“Less than 24 hours later, this guy is off the street,” Metro Lt. Dan McGrath said, attributing the arrest to a mix of good detective work and luck in finding the vehicle they believe links Davis to the assault.

According to the preliminary investigation by Metro’s sexual assault section, the victim was walking to school in a pedestrian-only area near Bonanza Trail, along U.S. Highway 95 between Lorenzi Street and Torrey Pines Drive, when she was grabbed and violently assaulted.

Police allege Davis parked a late model, two-tone SUV nearby, walked over and grabbed the girl as she took a shortcut on the trail.

Police were careful with the information they released to protect the victim’s identity. They would not give her age or name the school she attends. Both Adcock Elementary School and Garside Middle School are near the site of the attack.

Police did say she was small of stature and brave.

“Anytime anyone is sexually assaulted, especially a juvenile, it’s so traumatizing and so violent. It’s a life-changing event,” McGrath said.

The SUV was identified using surveillance footage from nearby businesses. It was an older, distinctive vehicle, McGrath said, and the streets in that area are not very populated so early in the morning.

Teachers noticed the girl was crying and hysterical and got officers involved, McGrath said.

Clark County School District police worked closely with Metro on this case, and letters were sent home to parents in the area.

School police Sgt. Mitch Maciszak emphasized the importance of safety measures for parents and children.

Children should avoid shortcuts that take them away from well-lit and populated streets, he said, and they should always try to walk in groups.

McGrath said sexual assaults should be reported as soon as possible.

“DNA is the nail in the coffin in these cases,” he said. “If you notice something is wrong with your kids, call us right away.”

Davis was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and faces charges of kidnapping, sexual assault of a minor, child abuse and open and gross lewdness.

The case remains under investigation. Police believe there is a chance there are other victims and are looking through surveillance footage and old files for cases that might be related.

Anyone who has information can contact Metro’s sexual assault section at 702-828-3421. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @WesJuhl.