safety
DNA match leads to arrest in Laredo 2018 sexual assault investigation, police say
By Kobe Arriaga at KGNS — Top News
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A DNA match in a national law enforcement database has led to an arrest in a Laredo sexual assault investigation that dates back to 2018, Laredo police said.Police said the investigation began when a senior woman with a disability reported she was sexually assaulted inside h...
Key takeaway Police said the database later returned a match to 32-year-old Miguel Angel Rivas.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The arrest of Miguel Angel Rivas in connection with a 2018 sexual assault case is a significant development for the Laredo community, particularly for victims of crime who may have felt that justice was not being served. The fact that detectives were able to collect and preserve DNA evidence from the scene, and then secure a match through a national database, demonstrates the importance of meticulous investigative work. Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez's comments highlight the careful process that officers must follow, even after a DNA match is found, to ensure that charges are filed and a case is built. This case also underscores the value of keeping cases open, even when they go cold, as long as there is preserved evidence that can be re-examined. As the case against Rivas moves forward, it will be worth watching to see how the Webb County justice system handles the prosecution, and whether this arrest will bring a sense of closure for the victim and her family.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Top News . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Top News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Top News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A DNA match in a national law enforcement database has led to an arrest in a Laredo sexual assault investigation that dates back to 2018, Laredo police said.Police said the investigation began when a senior woman with a disability reported she was sexually assaulted inside h...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KGNS — Top News and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kobe Arriaga at KGNS — Top News. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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