Detectives Seeking Additional Sexual Assault Victims; Suspect Wanted NR26012ti

UPDATE
January 28, 2026 NR26012ti

On January 27, 2026, around 3:45 p.m., Joseph Lee Davis was arrested in the area of 6th Street and San Julian Street. He was booked for Attempted Rape, 664/261(a)(2) Penal Code, under Booking No. 7170726.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Area detectives are seeking the public’s assistance to identify additional victims and locate a wanted sexual assault suspect who is a known sex offender.

On January 25, 2026, around 5 p.m., a female victim was inside her place of business near 8th Street and Main Street when the suspect entered and began searching for items to take. The suspect opened a door to a separate room and discovered the victim inside. When the victim yelled at the suspect to leave, the suspect attempted to restrain her, knocking her to the ground. The suspect closed the door behind them, attempted to remove the victim’s pants, grabbed and sexually assaulted her.

The victim defended herself and was able to escape the room, where she sought assistance from neighboring businesses. The suspect was escorted out of the business and fled the location.

The incident was captured on closed-circuit television, which investigators used to identify the suspect. The victim positively identified the suspect as David Joseph.

Joseph has a prior sexual battery conviction that requires him to register as a sex offender. Investigators determined that Joseph failed to comply with registration requirements and is currently an unregistered sex offender. Joseph is wanted for 664/261(a)(2) of the California Penal Code – Attempted Rape.

The suspect is a 30-year-old Black male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a burgundy Nike sweater, blue pants, and red sandals.

Los Angeles: Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Area are seeking the public’s assistance to identify additional victims and locate a wanted sexual assault suspect. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of David Joseph, or who has information related to this investigation, is urged to contact Central Area Sex Detectives at 213-996-1837. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through www.lapdonline.org by clicking “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved – Crime Stoppers” menu, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile application.