Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Abducting, Raping Woman In Arcadia
ARCADIA (CBSLA.com) — A 29-year-old man remained in custody Thursday on suspicion of abducting and raping a woman in Arcadia.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the unidentified 25-year-old female victim was abducted around 3 a.m. Wednesday, while she walked in the area of Longden Avenue and Peck Road, near the ARCO Gas Station.
Deputies released a statement in part that read: "The suspect grabbed and carried the victim to his car. He drove the victim to his home where he continuously sexually assaulted her."
Authorities explained the victim was able to briefly escape and alert a neighbor before the suspect dragged her back into his home.
The neighbor reported to authorities that he spotted the suspect behind a house located in the 2800 block of Ashmont Avenue.
Deputies arrived around 2 p.m. for report of a disturbance call, only to find that the suspect had fled through a side window.
Paramedics transported the woman to a hospital for evaluation.
Officials set up a perimeter and conducted a search for several hours. Around 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Philippe Lutete was arrested.
According to deputies, Lutete was out on bond for a past similar arrest when the incident occurred.
The relationship between the woman and the suspect remains unclear.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (877) 710-5273.