Devonshire - - On October 18, 2002, at 6:30 a.m., a 14 year-old female was walking to school in the 9000 block of Willis Avenue, Devonshire Area. A male Asian pulled up along side her and forced her into his vehicle. The victim was driven to a nearby alley where she was sexually assaulted. After the assault the suspect allowed the victim to walk away.

Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, assumed investigative responsibility for the case. On October 21, 2002, a composite drawing of the suspect was released to the media, which was disseminated to the public. Several community members called in regarding possible suspects that matched the composite. With the information received from one of the calls, detectives were able to identify a possible suspect. On October 23, 2002, at 11:30 a.m., Detectives arrested this suspect.

There have been nine crimes identified at this time that are associated with this suspect, dating back to December 2001. These crimes occurred in Van Nuys, North Hollywood and Devonshire Areas. Of these crimes, three were kidnap/sexual assault and sexual assaults. The other six were kidnappings, attempted kidnappings and child annoying.

The suspect is a male Asian, 18 years of age and a resident of Los Angeles. The suspect’s name, and photograph will not be disclosed at this time, due to the on-going investigation. Disclosure of the suspect’s identity would jeopardize the on-going investigation.

Please direct questions and/or requests for interviews to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.