Police arrest Round Lake Park man for two assaults

A Round Lake Park man is in jail on a $2 million bond after police say he broke into two homes, sexually assaulting one woman and attempting an attack on another in two separate incidences this month.

Round Lake Park-Hainesville police are also asking residents for their help in determining whether 23-year-old Carlos Garcia may have been involved in any other attacks in the area.

Garcia, whose last known address was 208 E. Main St., Round Lake Park, is charged with two felony counts of home invasion, one felony count of aggravated criminal sexual assault and felony possession of marijuana, Round Lake Park-Hainesville Police Chief George Filenko said Tuesday.

Garcia is accused of breaking into a woman's house on Nov. 12 while brandishing a knife and sexually assaulting her, Filenko said.

After getting a description from the victim, police canvassed the area and gave a description to local businesses. Within seven to eight hours, police received a phone call saying someone fitting that description was in their store, Filenko said.

Garcia was "immediately" identified by the victim and arrested, Filenko said.

A similar attack also occurred in Round Lake Park on Nov. 3 where a man broke into a house brandishing a knife, but the woman was able to fend the man off by screaming and yelling and the man fled the area, Filenko said.

On Tuesday, the victim in that case positively identified Garcia as the attacker, Filenko said.

"This is two incidents in our jurisdiction. With incidents of this type of magnitude, you begin to wonder if there are more out there," Filenko said.

Police are asking people to come forward and contact Round Lake Park police at (847) 546-7275 if they have been a victim of a similar assault or have any information.

Police said Garcia doesn't have a criminal history of anything related to these types of crimes, but added they are still investigating. Garcia held odd jobs and had periodic employment, but didn't have any permanent employment in the area, Filenko said.

Since Garcia did not have any identification on him, police contacted immigration officials, who are determining if Garcia is in the country legally, Filenko said.