MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa man has been taken into custody after DNA evidence allegedly connected him to the sexual assault of a woman in Yavapai County.
The sheriff's office said Friday that 36-year-old Brian J. Hernandez was taken into custody this month for allegedly raping a 47-year-old woman in August 2023.
The victim told investigators she had accepted a ride from a man driving a large water truck and dressed in construction apparel. The man allegedly drove her out to a remote area, assaulted her and then let the woman go.
The woman immediately called the sheriff's office after returning home and DNA evidence from the assault was collected.
Investigators were able to identify the suspect through a national DNA database. Investigators then searched Hernandez's residence in Mesa and allegedly found evidence connecting him to the assault. Hernandez was taken into custody and is facing charges of kidnapping and sexual assault.
The sheriff's office is seeking additional information about Hernandez's past. He was known to be around the areas of Scottsdale, Mesa and northern Arizona. The suspect would often drive around in large construction-type trucks or his personal 2017 black Ford F-150 truck.
Hernandez is 5’7” tall with brown eyes, a dark brown beard and is balding on top.
Anyone with more information about Hernandez can contact the sheriff's office at 928-771-3260.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
UP TO SPEED
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
