Police Searching For Sexual Predator Who Attacked Woman In Reseda
RESEDA (CBSLA.com) — Police have released a composite sketch of a man they say sexually assaulted a young woman at knifepoint in Reseda.
The crime happened about 10 p.m. March 27 as the 18-year-old woman walked home in an alley near Victory Boulevard and Corbin Street, according to Los Angeles police.
"So far, this is the only such attack we're aware of," LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy. "This type of stranger attack is very rare, but represents a real danger. We want to find this man right away."
She said the victim "heard the sound of a knife opening, then felt someone grab her and hold her against the wall, with a knife to her throat. The suspect sexually assaulted the woman, then ran away.
"The young victim went home, feeling scared and ashamed, but uninjured. She did not tell anyone what happened for several weeks," Toosbuy said. "As a detective and as a woman, I understand how a victim might delay reporting a sexual assault out of fear or shame. Once she felt reassured and encouraged by a family member, she did come forward and provided useful details."
The suspect was described as a white man, 25 to 27 years old, about 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about the case or the man's identity can call Toosbuy at (818) 374-7718.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)