Sexual Battery Suspect Caught, Police Seek Victims

September 5, 2008

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police have arrested a man on charges of sexually assaulting a female on a Metro bus in the San Fernando Valley and are seeking additional victims to come forward.
Samson Gebremariam, 26, of Van Nuys, was arrested on August 30, 2008, without incident.  He was charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment.  His bail was set at $50,000.00.
On August 24, 2008, Gebremariam approached a woman on a bus and engaged her in a short conversation.  He told the victim he was from Ethiopia.  Shortly after the conversation, he tried to befriend the victim and fondled her breast.  The suspect then followed the victim off the bus, impeded her movement and continued to sexually assault her against her will.
 
Detectives believed similar incidents either occurred on the bus or after getting off the bus in the San Fernando Valley area. 
Anyone who has information or been victimized by this suspect is asked to call Foothill Sexual Assault Unit at 818-834-3115.  On weekends or during off-hours, calls may be directed to a  24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).