A man who violently raped a Los Angeles-area jogger in broad daylight last month is still on the lam, but newly disclosed details could help lead to his capture.
In an effort to find the perpetrator, police on Friday released surveillance video showing what happened just before and after the brazen assault, KTLA reports.
According to investigators:
A man approached the victim while she was jogging on a recreation trail just east of the city of Los Angeles around 5:30 p.m. on June 1, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman had been with a group of runners, but when she became separated from them, the man went up to her from behind. The new video shows the man biked up alongside the victim and then attempted to block her path.
After a few moments, the suspect “violently grabbed a hold of her and dragged her down a hillside,” KTLA reports. The suspect was in a struggle with the woman while he sought to wrap himself around her and then pulled her into nearby bushes.
SPECIAL VICTIMS BUREAU DETECTIVES SEEKS HELP FROM THE PUBLIC IN IDENTIFYING A VIOLENT SEXUAL PREDATOR; A $10,000 REWARD IS OFFEREDDetectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau are investigating a kidnapping, sexual battery and attempt rape of a female jogger and is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect. During a press conference on Friday, July 28, 2017, Special Victims Bureau Captain Carlos Marquez and Lieutenant Todd Deeds discussed the events surrounding the kidnapping and sexual assault against the victim. During the early evening hours of Thursday, June 1, 2017, the female adult victim was jogging at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, 500 Durfee Avenue, South El Monte. Surveillance video captured a portion of the crime in progress when the suspect rode past the victim on a black mountain bike. He then suddenly, and without provocation, attacked the victim and violently dragged her from the trail down an embankment into the brush and out of view of the surveillance camera. A short time later the suspect was captured by additional surveillance video in the area of the crime riding a black mountain bike. The Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis, First District and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a reward of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of this violent criminal. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic adult in his mid-20’s, medium to dark complexion, a teardrop tattoo under his left eye, clean shaven, 5’ 9” and weighing about 175 lbs. and he spoke Spanish. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants; riding a black mountain bike. Although this crime occurred in the evening, it was still during daylight hours which is indicative of the suspect’s boldness while committing this crime. If anyone has any information about this crime or can identify the suspect, you are urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau toll free tip line at (877) 710-5273.
Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Friday, July 28, 2017
The man sexually assaulted the woman for 10 minutes before she was able to escape and seek help, police said.
The suspect, who was wearing dark clothes, left the scene on the bike.
Authorities believe the crime was one of opportunity and that the attacker had not previously targeted the victim, according to Lt. Todd Deeds of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
“All we can think of is that the guy is just a predator,” Deeds said. “He’s a very dangerous individual. That’s why we need to identify him as soon as possible, because he needs to be locked up.”
Deeds said the victim is recovering and wants to see justice served.
Homeless people who live near the park were not able to identify the man, Deeds said, and officials have been canvassing the area to warn others of what happened.
Police released a composite sketch of the assailant, who was described as a Latino man in his mid-20s. He is approximately 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. He spoke Spanish and had a teardrop tattoo beneath his left eye.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the suspect.
Anyone with information about the case should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office at 877-710-5273. To report an anonymous tip, call 800-222-8477.
[Feature Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office]
