Police Release Composite on Sexual Predator

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives released a composite today in an effort to warn the community and seek its assistance in identifying a heavyset Hispanic man in his thirties who has committed at least eight sexually-motivated crimes since last April 2006.

"Once arrested, this man will face charges of attempted kidnapping, attempted rape, robbery, and indecent exposure," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "Thankfully, no one has been physically harmed in these eight incidents. We really want to identify him before his behavior escalates."

Detectives got a break in early December when the suspect tried to kidnap two separate women a day apart. The man exposed himself to an 18-year-old girl who was walking near 22nd Street and Griffith Avenue around 6:15 AM on December 5. At one point, he grabbed the girl and tried to shove her into a car. A witness intervened and the girl got away. The next day, around 5:50 AM, he did the same thing to a 44-year-old woman near Naomi Avenue and Washington Boulevard. She also escaped after resisting and screaming to attract attention.

The first case attributed to the suspect occurred April 19, 2006, when he tried to abduct a 24-year-old woman near 53rd Street and Ascot Avenue. He robbed a 23-year-old woman at gunpoint after exposing himself to her on April 24.

He exposed himself to a 25-year-old woman in September and to a 15-year-old girl in October. An incident in September and one in October rose to the level of attempted rape when he threatened one victim and struck another after exposing himself both times.

"The victims have three things in common: they are Hispanic; they were walking alone; and they resisted and screamed when the suspect accosted them," Vernon said. "Women should be very cautious of approaching men who solicit directions or help, especially when the woman is alone."

The suspect weight was estimated at 250 pounds. Partial license plate digits are: 4T—–, 4QT—-,
or —-657.

The boundaries of the suspect’s activities are Washington Boulevard to the north, 53rd Street to the south, Maple Street to the west, and Ascot Avenue to the east. All of incidents occurred in early morning hours, except two, which occurred in the late afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Detective Miriam Ramirez at 323-846-6576. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

A copy of the suspect’s composite sketch is available from Media Relations Section.