Traffic stop helped solve Arlington Heights sex assault case, police say

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- Police say a traffic stop was the break they needed to solve a suburban sex assault case.

Reynaldo Pineda, 35, of Mount Prospect, is charged with sexually assaulting a 68-year-old woman in her Arlington Heights home last September. Police said the attacker entered through an unsecured window in the early morning hours.

The victim's daughter spoke to Eyewitness News last year. When asked how her mother was, she said: "She's not very well."

Police said they recovered the suspect's fingerprints at the home, but no match was found in the national crime database. Those prints were left on file for future comparison.

Then, last weekend, police said Pineda was arrested for a traffic offense and fingerprinted. Investigators said his prints match those left at the victim's home.

Residents on the block were relieved to learn of the arrest.

"I mean, we've been nervous. We make sure to lock our doors, and we fenced our yard in and stuff," resident Evan Gallien said. "We're glad that somebody was caught for this."

Pineda has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and home invasion. He is due in court on Friday.

Authorities said they plan to ask for a high bond.