Los Feliz Sexual Predator on The Loose: Women Attacked as They Sleep
Updated at the bottom with women being attacked while they sleep. Headline has been changed. First posted at 6:07 a.m.
Mark Leuthi / Flickr Los Feliz.
Cops say a sexual predator is on the loose in the Los Feliz area.
The suspect is responsible for a string of sexual assaults and burglaries in the community, according to an LAPD statement issued yesterday.
While detectives say he has targeted homes and apartments along the Los Feliz Boulevard corridor, here's the creepy part, according to the statement:
The suspect has made sexual contact with several of the victims while they were sleeping.
CBS Los Angeles reported that police believe one man might be responsible for a half-dozen, maybe more, attacks, "hot prowls" and break-ins this summer.
The station asked LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman why it took so long to warn the public: He said detectives hadn't connected the same suspect to the string of crimes until recently.
Cops state:
He has entered both doors and windows and has stolen computers, money, jewelry and clothing.
The suspect is described as Latino, about 5 feet 8 or 9, 170 pounds, with a mustache, dark skin and slim build.
If you think you know who it is, call detectives at 213-486-6910.
[Updated at 1:12 p.m.]: Police say a suspect has been burglarizing homes since March but that they didn't become aware of sexual assaults allegedly committed by the same man until a woman came forward weeks later:
She initially believed she had been dreaming about the attack but later realized what had happened and went to police recently, LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera told the Weekly.
The woman thought it was a possible dream, so she didn't report it to the police until later. That's how we became aware of the sexual assaults.
Herrera said detectives believe the man is responsible for "several" assaults, but they wouldn't put forward an exact number.
Police believe he might be taking advantage of open windows during the summer warmth, so they're advising Los Feliz residents to keep them closed. Herrera:
We're advising people to lock their windows, even though it's hot, and to be aware of their surroundings.
[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
