Search Continues For Man Suspected Of Threatening Woman With Machete, Raping Her In Boyle Heights Home
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —Police say the man suspected of raping a woman in her Boyle Heights home threatened her with a machete during the attack.
LAPD officers say the search is ongoing for a Hispanic male who attacked a 30-year-old woman while she was sleeping around 12:30 a.m. Friday. The department has released a sketch of the suspect, asking the public for their help.
Investigators say the victim was in her bedroom in the 1800 block of Pennsylvania Avenue when an unknown male forced his way into the living room window of the residence, removed most of his clothing with the exception of his underwear and entered the victim's bedroom.
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Police say the woman woke up upon hearing a noise in her room and observed the suspect standing at the foot of her bed.
The suspect then sexually assaulted her and dressed himself before he left the victim's residence, police say.
The victim described the suspect as approximately 35 years old, with brown wavy hair, possible brown or hazel eyes, standing 5-feet-4-inches tall, and weighing approximately 150 pounds, with a noticeable scar on his upper lip.
The suspect was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with blue side panels, blue jeans, black tennis shoes and a brown baseball cap. Police also said he spoke with an accent, perhaps one from Central America.
On Saturday, CBS2's Joy Benedict spoke to concerned neighbors.
"I tell friends, come on in. I have left my door open. So now I have to reconsider that," said neighbor Aldo Macias.
The victim was treated at a hospital and released. But Macias also urged the victim to seek out help following her ordeal.
"There are resources in the community she can access so I hope she feels comfortable to seek them." he said.
Benedict spoke to many residents who couldn't identify the man in the composite sketch.
The crime is of such a heinous nature, that it caught most long-time residents off guard.
"We never had that kind of problem here before," said a woman named Margaret.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Nguyen at 323-342-8992 during normal business hours. After hours, the Hollenbeck Watch Commander should be contacted at 323-342-4101. During non-business hours, or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.
