WASHINGTON – Interpol says the man suspected of slashing women’s behinds while they were shopping in Fairfax County stores has been captured in Peru.
An Interpol official in Peru tells WTOP Johnny Pimentel, 40, was arrested Friday in a Lima mall. He was arrested by Peruvian police by request of Fairfax County police. He is currently being held there.
Fairfax County Police say they do not have the details of the arrest.
“The work isn’t over, though, since this is one step in a process that will likely take considerable time to complete,” says police spokesperson Mary Ann Jennings.
Police say there is a lot of paperwork involved, so the extradition process could take some time, and include working closely with federal and international authorities.
Fairfax County police learned that Pimental had fled to Peru, where he is originally from, in late December.
Peruvian media widely reported that Pimental had returned to his native country.
Nine slashings were reported between February and July of 2011 at malls and shopping centers in the county, including Fair Oaks Mall and Tysons Corner Center. Police believe he used a box cutter or something like it.
There were no serious injuries reported in the attacks.
Police have still not established a motive for the attacks.
WTOP’s Max Smith contributed to this report. Follow Max and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
