What:
News Conference

Who:
Deputy Chief Ronald Bergmann, Operations-Valley Bureau, Commanding Officer, Captain Anita Ortega, Commanding Officer, Devonshire Area and Operations-Valley Bureau Sexual Assault Unit Investigators

When:
Thursday, August 26, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.

Where:
LAPD Operations-Valley Bureau Headquarters, Erwin Street Mall, 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, 91401

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s aid in locating and capturing an individual we believe to be responsible for three sexual assaults, that occurred in the San Fernando Valley.

The suspect whom we believe is Frank Briseno committed two kidnap/rapes using a gun and an attempt sexual assault. The crimes occurred in the areas of Pierce Street and Arleta Avenue, 9400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard and El Caruso Park in Sylmar. The victims range in age from 14 to 22 years old. A felony warrant has been issued for Briseno’s arrest.

Frank Briseno is a 22 year-old male, Hispanic, brown hair, brown eyes, 5’8"-5’10", 150-180 pounds and has tattoos on both arms. Briseno is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

We are asking anyone to call us immediately if they know of Briseno’s whereabouts. Briseno is known to frequent the area surrounding Arleta Avenue and Kagel Canyon Street in Arleta, as well as areas in the cities of Lancaster and Anaheim.

The Los Angles City Council is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the attacks. Anyone with information is urged to contact Los Angeles Police Department Operations-Valley Bureau Sexual Assault Unit, at 818-756-8111, during normal business hours. On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news advisory was prepared by Los Angeles Police Department’s Media relations Section, at 213-485-3586.