Los Angeles - On Tuesday, April 24, 2001, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 25 year-old female and a 30 year-old male friend were asleep in the apartment of an acquaintance in the 21000 block of Gresham Street in Canoga Park. They awoke to find four male suspects in the residence, two of whom were armed with handguns. The male victim physically confronted one of the suspects, but the suspect responded by pistol-whipping the victim causing multiple head lacerations. The suspects beat the female victim and sexually assaulted her. The suspects demanded money from the victims. The suspects bound the two victims as they ransacked the apartment. The male victim was able to free himself from his bindings and ran from the apartment to seek help. Once the male victim got away, the suspects fled the location, leaving the female victim in the apartment. A neighbor assisted the two victims and the police were notified.

The male victim was treated at a nearby emergency room for multiple contusions and lacerations, requiring sutures.

The suspects are described at this time as four male, African-Americans.

Detectives from the Rape Special Section of Robbery-Homicide Division are conducting the investigation. Any one with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call Detectives Michelle Robinson or Mitzi Roberts at 213-485-2921.

This press release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.