Suspect in custody in sex assault at Fresno gas station and two other spots, police say

A suspect has been charged with committing lewd and sexual acts towards a gas station clerk in southeast Fresno and at two other locations as well.

The suspect was identified Wednesday by police as Joseph M. Keluche, 39.

Keluche was arrested Tuesday at a park near Lane and Winery. Officers learned he had outstanding warrants for indecent exposure, violating a restraining order and resisting arrest.

Keluche was taken into custody on the warrants and ultimately confessed to detectives to all three incidents, police spokesman Lt. Bill Dooley said. Keluche has been booked into the Fresno County Jail for the charges of felony sexual assault, felony assault with the intent to commit rape and burglary.

The first alleged incident took place at the Chevron at Chestnut and Butler avenues in the early morning hours on Oct. 30, police said Monday. The clerk told officers a man was trying to force his way into the Chevron through locked doors and was committing lewd and sexual acts towards her. The man fled before officers arrived. The clerk described the suspect as a dark-skinned male with a goatee, wearing a dark sweater and light gray pants and carrying a backpack.

As officers were investigating the incident, two additional sexual assaults were reported nearby at Chestnut and Butler and Maple and Butler. Those two victims described a suspect similar to one at the Chevron.

Anyone information on the suspect is asked to call detective Arlene Flores at 559-621-2234 or Detective Kyle Kramer at 559-621-2391. Anyone calling with information can also remain completely anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.

This story was originally published November 3, 2021 at 10:44 AM.