Officer Observation helps Nab an Attempt Rape Suspect NA10054ks

January 31, 2010

Los Angeles:  A sexual assault suspect is behind bars after being spotted by two keenly observant Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officers.

On January 29, 2010, at about 1:40 PM, a sexual assault suspect entered a residence in the
100 block of South Van Ness Avenue by scaling a wall, climbing onto a garage roof, and gaining access to a balcony where he forced entry through a window.  Once inside the suspect attempted to rape a 56-year-old woman working there.  The woman was able to fight off her attacker and he escaped the same way he entered.

An immediate and intense manhunt was launched by the LAPD that included a Canine search, response from Forensic Criminalists, door to door and electronic notifications to area residents.  Officers from the Olympic Area Police station led the investigation and it was two of their officers who saw a man fitting the description of the suspect near 8th Street and Gramercy the following day.

On January 30, 2010, at around 2 PM Olympic Area Patrol Officers detained the suspect based on his physical description and subsequently arrested him for Attempt Rape and Burglary.  He has been identified as 19-year-old John Christopher Munoz of Hollywood.  Munoz is being held at Parker Center Jail on $375,000 bail.

Detectives believe there may be other victims and are asking that anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Munoz to please call Operations West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail  Detectives A. Mercado or L. Nunez at 213-473-0447.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.