Teardrop Rapist Strikes Near Downtown L.A.; More Attacks Linked to Sex-Assault Spree
Speak of the devil.
LAPD Sketches of the Teardrop Rapist.
The same week that the LAPD unveiled a reward has been offered for information leading to the capture and conviction of the Teardrop Rapist, who had been linked to as many as 28 attacks since 1996 (more on that expanding number, below), detectives announced that they believe he has struck again.
The LAPD today linked a June 15 attack just south of downtown to the sexual predator:
The LAPD says the attempted rape happened about 5:30 a.m. when the suspect approached a 29-year-old woman, tried to talk to her, and pulled her into an alley as he brandished a handgun.
It happened at East 25th Street and Naomi Avenue, cops said.
The man tried to assault but was thwarted when a car came down the alley, according to an LAPD statement. He fled.
Detectives say the suspect fit the description of the Teardrop Rapist and that, instead of the 28 attacks previously linked to the man, he might now have been linked to 35 "similar incidents."
The assaults have been linked through DNA evidence and/or the suspect's distinct mode of operation.
Cops note that the Teardrop Rapist usually strikes between 5 and 8 a.m. and focuses on core areas of the city, from Koreatown to South L.A. to the area around USC (explore the links on this post for maps).
He's described as a hoodie-wearing 40- or 50-something Latino who's 5 feet, 2 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weights 130 to 170 pounds. He might have mustache and a teardrop tattoo under one eye.
Call 877-527-3247 if you think you've seen him.
[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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