Suspect Charged with Sexual Assaults in the Mar Vista Area Arrested

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, October 25, 1999
On Thursday, October 21, 1999, at approximately 9:38 p.m., officers received a radio call of a "Prowler Complaint" in the 3600 block of Military Ave. Officers responded and began interviewing a witness. Officers received information that a male Hispanic, approximately 20 years of age was seen emerging from a back yard in the 3600 block of Military. The suspect description was broadcast to responding officers. Minutes later, patrol officers who were on Greenfield (one street east of Military) observed a male matching the description of the aforementioned suspect exiting an apartment complex in the 3600 block of Greenfield. The suspect was detained and positively identified by the witness. Based on the preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene, the suspect was arrested for attempt Burglary and transported to Pacific Division.

Based on the suspect’s description and Modus Operandi (M.O.) the suspect was questioned regarding the recent series of sexual assaults in the Mar Vista and Culver City Areas. Robbery-Homicide Division, who assumed investigative responsibility for this series of crimes, is confident that the suspect in custody is responsible for these crimes. Culver City Detectives have been notified and are involved in this ongoing investigation. The suspect has been identified as Oscar Salazar, a male Hispanic, 20 years of age and a resident of Culver City.

It was through the outstanding efforts of Pacific Detectives, Pacific Patrol, Pacific’s Special Problems Unit (SPU), Robbery-Homicide Division and concerned citizens in these communities that this suspect was apprehended.

Any person with information regarding these crimes or others that may be unreported, or have additional information regarding this suspect, are encouraged to contact Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section at 213-485-2921. During off-hours additional information can be forwarded to Detectives Headquarters Division at 213-485-2506.

For Release 9:10 am PST
October 25, 1999