Gerardo Lopez - Repeat Sex Offender - Caught in the act of Rape

Police caught a man sexually assaulting a woman on the southside Wednesday thanks to a womans cell phone signal.

Gerardo Lopez, a registered sex offender, is accused of sexually assaulting a 34-year-old woman Wednesday.

Tucson Police Sgt. Fabian Pacheco says, "The victim had just gotten off of a bus in the area of 39th St. and Park, and was walking to a nearby business."

Police say the woman took a short cut through a secluded desert area.

Sgt. Pacheco says, "Unfortunately the suspect followed her and attacked her."

The victim managed to call 911.

Pacheco says, "The 911 operators could hear a female in a distress being assaulted."

Within minutes, the woman's cell phone signal led officers to a secluded location north of 1-10 and west of Park Avenue.

Pacheco adds, "The suspect didn't even realize that the police was approaching and essentially caught him in the act."

The suspect, 51, was arrested and booked on several charges, including three counts of sexual assault.

Lopez is no stranger to the law. He's listed as a level three sex offender, convicted in a prior case of attempted sexual conduct with a minor.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte