Crime & Safety
Physical Therapist Accused Of Sex Assault May Have Assaulted Other Patients: PD
A Santa Monica physical therapist accused of sexually assaulting a patient during an appointment may have victimized others, police say.
SANTA MONICA, CA — A physical therapist was arrested recently on suspicion he sexually abused a patent during treatment and police are asking others who may have been victimized by him to come forward, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
The SMPD received a report on Feb. 19 regarding the incident, which occurred at Select Physical Therapy at 507 Wilshire Blvd., police said.
"During an immediate and thorough investigation, Detectives determined that the suspect, a licensed physical therapist, was treating the victim for injuries during a scheduled session when the alleged sexual assault occurred," police said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On April 17, SMPD officers arrested the suspect, Fernando A. Salazar, 28, on a charge of sexual battery, police said.
Police are asking anyone who may have had similar experiences with Salazar to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Darnell Crumpler at 310-458-8941 or Darnell.Crumpler@santamonica.gov or Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952 or David.Haro@santamonica.gov.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
