Local News in Brief : Rape Suspect Turns Up in Kidnaping Inquiry

Apolice officer who went to a Simi Valley apartment complex to investigate a possible kidnaping wound up arresting a rape suspect in an unrelated case after the suspect approached his patrol car twice to ask why police were there, authorities said Thursday.

Sgt. Gary Collins said he arrived at the complex in the 1700 block of Cochran Street about 8 p.m. Wednesday to search an apartment for a handgun believed used in a kidnaping earlier in the day.

Outside, a man with a scab on one shoulder approached and asked police why they were there, and Collins said he replied that they were looking for a weapon in an apartment.

Meanwhile, more officers arrived and Collins learned that they were investigating a report of a rape at the complex. The officers described the suspect as having a scab on one shoulder, Collins said.

Collins said he drove around the complex and saw the man again.

“I called him by name, and he acknowledged me,” Collins said. When the man asked again what was going on, “I said, ‘I’m here to arrest you.’ ”

Michael Fouck, 21, of Simi Valley was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting and kidnaping a 13-year-old girl who was visiting a friend at the complex, Collins said.

In the other case, police arrested Leonel Gonzalez, 31, of Simi Valley on suspicion of kidnaping, assault with a deadly weapon and battery about 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, Collins said.

Gonzalez is suspected of kidnaping his estranged wife, Marlen Gonzalez, 27, from Sepulveda earlier in the day then driving her back to Simi Valley, where she was released Wednesday afternoon, Collins said.