Neighbor Describes Encounter With Woman Deputies Say Was Raped Repeatedly In Arcadia
ARCADIA (CBSLA.com) — A witness has revealed what happened to a woman who authorities say was kidnapped and sexually assaulted for 12 hours in Arcadia.
Neighbors along the 2800 block of Mayflower Avenue in Arcadia remain in shock Thursday over the incident involving an unidentified woman, who is 25.
One witness, who didn't want to disclose their identity, told CBS2's Adrianna Weingold they came face-to-face with the woman, who had briefly escaped and ran down the street. At the time, she was wearing only underwear and a coat, according to the neighbor.
"She really needs my help to do something about it," said the witness, who called 911. "I could tell she was horrified from her facial expressions."
Deputies said the woman was abducted by the man while walking near a gas station about 3 a.m. Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department identified the man as Philippe Lutete, 29.
Lutete is accused of carrying the victim to his car and driving her home, where, deputies say, he continually sexually assaulted her.
"I can't imagine a girl being raped like that, being kidnapped like that," said the neighbor, who explained that the woman ran up to the passenger window of their car and begged for help.
"I asked her what was going on and then she whispering to me say, 'Please, call police for me, please,' " the neighbor said.
Deputies said when they arrived at the home, the man climbed out a side window. The neighbor said a deputy carried the woman to safety.
"She was injured. She was bleeding from her mouth, and it looks like somebody was beating her badly," the neighbor said.
Deputies arrested Lutete after searching the area for hours, a search that was suspended and then renewed.
Lutete faces possible charges of rape, assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping, authorities said. Authorities said he was out on bond on a similar arrest.
His bail was set at $1.3 million.
