UPDATE: Sexual Assault Suspect in Kent County Now in Custody

UPDATE 4/21: A man wanted in connection to multiple sexual assault cases in Kent County is now in custody.

News of the arrest comes just one day after local police asked the public for help locating 23-year-old Fernando Vasquez-Pena.

According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, Vasquez-Pena, 23, is now in custody and in the process of being lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility. He was arrested Tuesday by GRPD officers.

He had been wanted in connection to two criminal sexual conduct cases and possession of child sexually abusive material.

Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg thanked the public, along with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, for helping spread information and provide tips:

“On behalf of GRPD, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, thank you to everyone who provided tips and shared the information, including our local media,” Trigg said. “We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and helping get justice for victims.”

ORIGINAL STORY 4/20: Police are asking for help finding a man they say is tied to multiple sexual assault cases in Kent County. So far, investigators have not been able to find him.

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The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old Fernando Vasquez-Pena is wanted on several felony charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct and possession of child sexually abusive material.

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Vasquez-Pena is described as about 6-foot-2 and around 195 pounds. If you think you’ve seen him, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.

According to FOX 17, Vasquez-Pena is accused of assaulting two women in separate incidents. In one case, deputies responded to a home in Byron Township in March 2025 after a woman reported she had been attacked the day before. Investigators say Vasquez-Pena forced his way inside and assaulted her. Court records show the victim also suffered multiple injuries, including a blow to the head and cuts to her body.

In a separate investigation, the Grand Rapids Police Department identified him as a suspect in a similar case. Since then, local, state, and federal agencies have been working together trying to locate him, but so far, he remains at large.

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Investigators say they’ve followed numerous leads and are now asking the public to help. Prosecutors say more than one person has been victimized, and there is concern about preventing additional harm.

A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered through Silent Observer for information that leads to his arrest.

Anyone with information can also contact the sheriff’s office at 616-632-6100, GRPD at 616-456-3380, or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.