COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado Springs Police officers said DNA evidence has helped them identify a suspect in a rape case.

Officials said 22-year-old Leonard Palmer escaped from Louisiana back in October.

They said fewer than 24 hours after his escape, Palmer allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in the 400 block of West Brookside Street.

Palmer was arrested within 24 hours of the assault on unrelated charges.

He's currently in custody in Louisiana.

Officials said when a sketch of the suspect was released, a Colorado Springs officer noticed the resemblance.

They analyzed Palmer's DNA and said it matched DNA collected from the girl after the assault.

Officers said Palmer will be charged with second degree kidnapping and sexual assault on a child.