Los Angeles:  A 13-year-old boy was molested by a 40-year-old man in an alley behind a Reseda laundromat last night, January 29, 2006, around 9 PM.

The victim had accompanied his 11-year-old friend and the friend's legal guardian to the laundromat in the 7600 block of Reseda Boulevard.  The two boys stepped into the alley, adjacent to the businesses, to play.  A man in his forties approached the pair, grabbing the victim.  The friend ran and hid.

The victim was able to escape from the suspect and run back to the laundomat, but not before the suspect had partly disrobed himself and the boy.  The victim and his friend explained to the guardian and the victim's mother what had happened, and the four returned to the alley a few minutes later.  The mother and the friend’s legal guardian found and detained the suspect until police arrived.

Rafael Manguia Magana, 40, was arrested on a charge of Lewd Acts Upon a Child, which is a felony.  His bail was set at $100,000.  He was still in custody as of Monday morning, January 30, 2006. 

The victim was examined at a local hospital, and officers secured evidence related to the investigation.

A photograph of Magana is available upon request.  The public is encouraged to call if they recognize Magana, who has no known criminal history.  Magana lives in Reseda.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD's Operations-Valley Bureau Sex Crimes Unit at 818-778-4720.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Media should contact Media Relations Section for updates or interviews.