San Mateo: Man arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting woman at gunpoint

SAN MATEO — A 22-year-old man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexual assault, making criminal threats and firearm crimes, after he allegedly extorted a woman for sexual acts, according to San Mateo police.

Police arrested Daly City resident Rodrigo Soto Palacios in San Francisco on Thursday, following an investigation lasting about two days. The victim informed police of her allegations against Soto on Tuesday.

The victim, who has known Soto Palacios for more than a year, told police that he threatened to post nude photos of her online.

The victim met with him Aug. 28 in San Mateo at his request. Upon meeting, Soto Palacios brandished a gun and forced the victim to perform sexual acts, while also threatening her family and demanding money, police said.

After the victim informed authorities of the incident, police obtained a search warrant for the car Soto Palacios had been driving. Investigators found a pistol without a serial number inside his vehicle.

Soto Palacios was arrested on suspicion of rape by force or fear, oral copulation by force or fear, extortion, false imprisonment, criminal threats, possession of a stolen vehicle, stalking and three gun charges, according to police. He was subsequently booked into San Mateo County Jail.

He was set to be arraigned Monday afternoon, according to jail records.