Navy, Police Team Up in Rape Investigation

Seal Beach police and Navy officials are investigating the alleged rape of a female sailor at a Main Street bar.

According to police, the incident took place the night of April 12 at an undisclosed bar on Main Street. Because of the ongoing investigation, authorities have released limited information about the case.

“The victim of the alleged rape was a female sailor stationed on a guided missile destroyer stationed at the [Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station],” said Greg Smith, the base’s public information officer. “The ship has since departed.”

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the case along with the Seal Beach Police Department. Because the suspect is a civilian, the police would be the lead agency if an arrest is made, said Smith.

The  Navy offers services for sailors and officers who are the victims of sex crimes. Services, including counseling, will be made available to the sailor at the base in which she is stationed.

The Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station is one of the smallest bases in the region. Reports of sexual assault on the base or attacks on sailors in the surrounding community are rare.

“I have been here 13 years, and this is the first such incident that I have been made aware of,” said Smith.

Police are asking for the public’s help with the investigation.

“There has not yet been an arrest made,” said Sgt. Steve Bowles, the department’s spokesman.

Anyone with information about the incident can call the Seal Beach Police Department at 562-799-4100, Ext. 1112.