Los Angeles: On February 12, 2004, at about 4:45 a.m., an armed suspect claiming to be a police officer demanded entry into a motor home parked on Hamlin Street and St. Clair Avenue in North Hollywood. Once inside the motor home the suspect confronted the two occupants, a husband and wife. The suspect ordered the husband into the bathroom and attempted to sexually assault the wife in the living room. When the woman resisted and refused to submit to the suspect, he ran from the motor home.

Patrol officers who were responding to the emergency call placed right after the man ran away saw a man fitting the description of the suspect in a neighboring park area. The suspect ran from the officers as they approached to investigate. After a brief foot pursuit, the officers caught up with the suspect on the 170 Freeway, where he was taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as Osiel Barraza Marquez, 30 years of age. It is believed that Marquez is responsible for several other reported sexual attacks and robberies in the San Fernando Valley area. The investigation into this crime as well as the possibility of other related crimes is on going.

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident as well as other possible victims of this predator that have not come forward, to do so by contacting Detective Karen Crawford at 818 756-8111. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1 877-LAWFULL (1 877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, at 213 485-3586.