Los Angeles: On Thursday, September 12, 2002, at 9:45 p.m., a 19 year-old victim was walking northbound on Tujunga Avenue, east of North Burbank Boulevard, when she heard a male yelling at her and demanding that she come to him. She refused and tried to flee from the man. The suspect ran up to her and began to assault her sexually. The victim managed to escape and ran southbound on Lankershim Boulevard where the suspect caught up to her again and began to pull her hair and hit her with his fists.

At that terrifying moment, two witnesses, a 48 year-old male and 39 year-old female intervened. Stopping the attack, the man held the suspect until responding LAPD officers arrived and arrested the suspect. The 20 year-old suspect, Kelvin Yaredy Lopez, was arrested and booked for assault. The victim was not seriously injured and LAPD detectives credited the two witnesses with stopping the vicious attack.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call North Hollywood detectives at 818 623-4045. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk, 1 877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.