$5M Arrest Warrant Issued For El Monte Rape Suspect
EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — A $5 million arrest warrant has been issued for an 18-year-old man police say raped a college student at a convenience store last weekend.
El Monte police named Joseph Leo Amaya in a five count felony complaint filed in Pomona Court Wednesday.
Amaya is accused of confronting a store cashier in the 4100 Block of Peck Rd. as she was closing shop on October 24, blocking the exit, and dragging the woman to the back of the store.
The victim was hospitalized and released.
Investigators say Amaya, who they believe is a gang member, has a tattoo on his right forearm that reads "EMF". He may also have a tattoo on his neck.
He is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 160 pounds with short black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black slippers.
El Monte police ask anyone with information that could aide in the apprehension of Amaya to call the department at (626) 580-2100 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Authorities say they will also aggressively pursue and seek criminal charges against anyone who is found harboring or aiding the suspect.
