Speaking at a Friday night (Feb. 10) press briefing at LBPD HQ, Chief Luna stated that at about roughly 9:45 a.m. Friday (Feb. 10), LBPD Detectives detained and transported a person of interest from the area of Century Blvd/Vermont Ave. in L.A...and after "a thorough interview," LBPD booked that individual (suspect Farmer) on suspicion of residential robbery, rape by force or fear, oral copulation by force or injury, a death threat and an assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury (not a firearm.)

Chief Luna said the suspect has a lengthy criminal history that includes robbery and thefts and LBPD anticipates presenting the case to the L.A. County District Attorney's office for filing consideration early in the coming week.

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Chief Luna said a motive has yet to be determined and the investigation remains "very active and ongoing."

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Chief Luna credited a tip from a member of the public who saw a photo of the person of interest (that LBPD had made available to media outlets from surveillance camera video, below), and the member of the public recognized the person of interest and contacted LBPD.

LBPD released screen shot photo from video

Following the press briefing, LBPD issued the release below:

[LBPD release text] Long Beach Police announced at a news conference today, February 10, 2017, that arrests were made in a residential robbery series, which also involved a sexual assault and an attempt sexual assault. Earlier this week, police released an image and surveillance video depicting a person of interest, and asked for the public’s help.

"Through the media coverage of the photo and video, someone saw that and believed they recognized the man and called police -- and that’s one of the reasons we're here today," said Police Chief Robert Luna, "I'm proud of the relentless work of our detectives, patrol officers and lab techs; the real heroes are the victims -- their strength and courageous actions are admirable."

On February 10, 2017, about 9:45 a.m., detectives detained and transported a person of interest to police headquarters, from the area of Century Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. The person of interest matched the description of the individual portrayed in a related news release. After a thorough interview, 39-year-old Melvin Earl Farmer Jr. of Lynwood was booked for multiple charges in connection with the series. The charges included: residential robbery, rape by force or fear, oral copulation by force or injury, a death threat, and assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm) with great bodily injury. Farmer is currently being held in Long Beach City Jail with bail set at $2,000,000. His lengthy criminal history includes robbery and theft.

A 31-year-old female resident of Lynwood was booked as an accomplice and was with Farmer when he was detained. Her identity is being withheld due to investigative reasons. She is currently being held in Long Beach City Jail with bail set at $20,000.

A motive for the suspect’s actions has yet to be determined and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Detectives expect to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration, early next week.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Long Beach Police Department Sex Crimes Detective J. Kearns at (562) 570-7368 or email LBPDSexCrimes@longbeach.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

The Long Beach Police Department extends its appreciation to the community and media for their continued support and assistance with this investigation.

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