Los Angeles: On Sunday, April 21, 2002, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 19 year-old female, who admittedly was working as a prostitute, was walking in the area of Alexandria Street and Western Avenue, when a suspect pulled up in a white vehicle. The victim willingly entered the vehicle, and a second male suspect, who had been hiding in the rear seat area of the car, then appeared. The driver, armed with a hammer, threatened and ordered the victim to comply with their orders. The suspects then drove off and picked up two other male suspects. The victim was driven to Griffith Park where she was sexually assaulted.

Los Angeles City Park Rangers, while on regular patrol, observed the suspect’s vehicle parked in Griffith Park and detained the occupants. LAPD Northeast Area Officers were requested, and assumed the preliminary investigation.

The victim was taken to the University of Southern California Medical Center for a sexual assault medical examination. The victim was not struck with the hammer.

Four suspects were arrested, three male adults and one male juvenile, and all four face charges of Kidnapping for the purpose of Rape.

Anyone with further information should contact Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, Detectives Paul Wright or John Alviani at 818-756-8309. On weekend and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586