GORMAN, CA (Saturday, July 16, 2016)—Los Angeles County Watch Commander Sergeant Tim Vander Leek of the Santa Clarita substation has confirmed that at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday evening, July 16 a rape was reported in Gorman. Firefighters responded to the McDonald’s restaurant parking lot to provide emergency medical care. The alleged victim was taken to Henry Mayo Hospital, Vander Leek said. He added that Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies are conducting an investigation, including reviewing possible (surveillance) video.

Vander Leek said, “At this time there is not evidence of a crime. We are not certain what took place there.”

The Mountain Enterprise reminded Sgt. Vander Leek that Henry Mayo Hospital does not do “rape kits,” which secure forensic evidence for investigators. The San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield is the only one in this region which is equipped to quickly provide rape kit exam and support to rape victims.

Sgt. Vander Leek said “We [L.A. County deputies] take them to CATS for that.” He was referring to the Center for Assault Treatment Services at Northridge Hospital, but could not confirm whether the alleged victim was taken there, or whether she would have been taken by the deputy or an ambulance. We also do not know at this time if the alleged victim is a Mountain Communities resident.

Sgt. Vander Leek also said, “You can get people that pop off the freeway and they can come into town and commit a crime and disappear again.”

We are seeking further information, while respecting the sensitivity of this issue for the individual. Our goal is to alert the community for public safety reasons. If you are aware of breaking news, please call our alert line at 661.245.NEWS or make a report at BreakingNews@MountainEnterprise.com . A reporter will respond to you.

This is part of the July 15, 2016 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.