WHAT:
News Conference

WHEN:
Thursday, September 30, 2004
10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Parker Center
150 North Los Angeles Street

Los Angeles- Los Angeles Police Department detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section are investigating a series of sexual assaults that occurred in and near the Los Angeles Riverbed. The assaults occurred between March 2000 and October 2003 between 6:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

The identified suspect, 35 year-old Arnulfo Vargas targeted women waiting at bus stops or walking alone. He approached them in his vehicle and offered them a ride. Once in his vehicle, Vargas would drive his victims to a secondary location and assault them. In one incident, Vargas forced a victim into his vehicle and drove her to a desolated area near the LA River where he sexually assaulted her. Vargas then drove away from the location leaving the victim naked and alone.

Vargas is a male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5’11, and 280 lbs. He may have lost weight in recent months and may have shaved his hair or grown a mustache. Vargas could be traveling with his wife and daughter. Vargas could be armed and he is considered dangerous. Vargas has been seen driving a white 2000 Chevy, 3500, full-size pick-up truck, California license Plate 7B62652. The vehicle is equipped with a full-length construction rack, large toolbox and construction tools.

A photograph of Vargas is available to be e-mailed by Media Relations Section upon request from the media.

Anyone having information regarding Vargas is encouraged to contact Robbery-Homicide Detectives at, 213-485-2921. On weekends and during off-hours, please 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 Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relation Section, at 213-485-3586.