Claremont police have arrested a 34-year-old man for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old Claremont girl in Claremont last month.

Joseph Chandler Davall was taken into custody at his home in Yucca Valley this morning after a short pursuit involving Claremont police and the San Bernardino Sheriffs. He is being held for questioning at the Claremont jail with bail set at $100,000.

This is good for our victim and good for our community,” Claremont Lieutenant Mike Ciszek said at a news conference late Friday morning.

Mr. Davall was arrested based on evidence found at the crime scene, according to Lieutenant Mike Ciszek, who would not elaborate on whether or not it was DNA evidence. Detectives worked through the night to gather information on the suspect and complete a search warrant, served this morning. Evidence relating to the Claremont crime was found at his residence, police confirmed.

The Claremont Police Department has not released a photo of Mr. Davall or further details at this time as additional evidence suggests Mr. Davall could be involved in a number of related similar crimes throughout southern California. Only one Claremont victim has been identified.

Mr. Davall has been arrested before on a number of other charges, including domestic violence. Online records show that Mr. Davall was arrested by the Desert Springs Police Department in 2012 for rape, armed force and residential burglary.  

A man by the same name has been previously linked to the Claremont area. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a Joseph C Davall is registered as a certified producer of dates at a farm located on Capp Road in Desert Center. Mr. Duvall was arrested in 2012 at the same address, according to police records. Mr. Duvall used to rent a booth at the Claremont farmers market, according to market manager Oscar De Leon, but stopped three or for years ago.

The minor was at home alone in late March when she was awoken from her sleep due to strange noises, according to police. Mr. Davall, seen standing over her, allegedly proceeded to physically and sexually assault her. Police have not disclosed how Mr. Davall gained entry to the home, but have said in previous statements that they do not believe he forced his way in. It is not believed that the family knows the suspect.

“At this point it looks like a random event,” Lt. Ciszek said.

Police hope to gather more information as they prepare to interview Mr. Davall this afternoon.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com