WHAT:
News Conference

WHO:
Mayor James K. Hahn, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, 4^th Council District, Assistant Chief George Gascon, Office of Operations, Deputy Chief Michel Moore, Operations-West Bureau, Captain Al Michelena, Robbery-Homicide Division, Detectives from Rape Special Section

WHEN:
Monday, October 18, 2004
9:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Korea Town Plaza
928 South Western Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca

Los Angeles: A news conference will take place on Monday, October 18, 2004, at 9:00 a.m., at the Korea Town Plaza in Los Angeles to ask for the public’s assistance in capturing a serial rapist. Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, has assumed investigative responsibilities for three sexual assault related crimes in the Korea Town Area.

The first crime occurred on August 26, 2004, at about 9:00 p.m. In this incident the suspect followed the victim to her apartment. The suspect, armed with a handgun, forced his way into the victim’s apartment and took money and then sexually assaulted the victim.

The second incident occurred on September 28, 2004, at about 8:00 p.m. In this incident the suspect followed the victim into her apartment building and then to her apartment. The suspect forced his way into the victim’s apartment at gunpoint. The suspect took money and then sexually assaulted the victim.

The third incident occurred on October 13, 2004, at about 6:30 p.m. The suspect followed the victim into her apartment building and then to her apartment. The suspect, who was armed with a handgun, forced his way into the apartment, took money, and attempted to sexually assault the victim.

The suspect is described as a male, Black, 20 to 25 years old has black hair, brown eyes, 5’10"-6", 180-200 lbs. The suspect was armed with a black or blue steel handgun. The suspect possibly speaks Korean.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Detectives Jesse Alvarado or Deana Stark, RHD, Rape Special Section, at 213-485-2921. After hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news advisory was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.