POLICE Department
Update: Suspect Arrested in Sex Assault of Child
December 9, 2016 - A wanted suspect charged in the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl on October 16 has been arrested.
The suspect, Joseph Anderson (w/m, 40), is charged with two counts of indecency with a child in the 337th State District Court. A mugshot of Anderson is not available at this time, however a previously released driver's license photo of him is attached to this news release.
HPD Special Victims Division Officer L. Donovan reported:
The suspect, Anderson, was a friend of the victim's mother. On October 16, he was with the girl at the Children’s Museum of Houston at 1500 Binz Street. Once there, Anderson took her to the second floor where he sexually assaulted her. The child knew Anderson prior to them being at the museum together, as is the case in a majority of child sexual assault cases. Two individuals witnessed the assault and immediately notified museum staff for help. The victim was taken to a private room where she reported the sexual assault.
Museum authorities took immediate action once the incident was reported to them; however, Anderson had immediately fled before a search of the facility was completed. Museum officials have cooperated fully with investigators from the moment the incident was reported.
Further investigation led to the positive identification of Anderson as the suspect in this case. On Monday (December 5), two warrants were issued for his arrest.
Investigators held a news conference on Tuesday (Dec. 6) seeking the public's assistance in locating Anderson.
Further investigation led investigators to believe Anderson was staying with relatives in Paragould, Arkansas. Thanks to thecooperation of the Arkansas State Police, Anderson was taken into custody without incident this afternoon (Dec. 9). He is now awaiting extradition to Harris County.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined additional victims may have been sexually assaulted by Anderson at different locations. Anyone who believes his/her child may have had inappropriate contact with Anderson is urged to contact the HPD Special Victims Division at 713-308-1140 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
suspect Joseph Anderson
Update: KJS/JFC 12-9-16
KJS/JFC 12-6-16
Inc. #132402316
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
