Woman Sexually Assaulted at Echo Park Apartment; Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect

Oct 26, 2022

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officials are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a man they say followed a woman home and then sexually assaulted the victim outside her Echo Park apartment.

The sexual assault incident reportedly occurred on the evening of October 9, a local ABC 7 Los Angeles story confirmed.

According to police, the woman was returning to her apartment after walking her dog when the suspect approached and made a comment about the pet.

The suspect proceeded to push the woman’s apartment building door open as she was attempting to enter. He then followed close behind her without permission, according to LAPD officials.

“The suspect pushed victim to the ground and got on top of her and simultaneously groped her genital area,” police said via a public statement.

Investigators indicated that when the woman attempted to scream for help several times, the sexual assault suspect “slapped the victim in the face twice and tried covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming,” according to ABC 7.

The woman attempted to stand but fell to the ground, eventually crawling to the door of the complex while screaming for help.

The victim was subsequently able to break free from the man by kicking him.

LAPD officials stated that the suspect took off after being kicked by the woman and was last seen leaving the apartment complex and heading toward Glendale Boulevard and Montana Street.

The Los Angeles Police Department released surveillance video footage as well as images of the sexual assault perpetrator. The suspect can be seen donning a light grey baseball cap.

“The suspect removes the baseball cap he was wearing as he turns on Rosemont Avenue and combs his hair,” police said. “The video footage shows the suspect exit the complex with the baseball cap back on.”

The perpetrator also reportedly wore a dark grey sweater, blue jeans, and dark-colored sneakers.

The unidentified Echo Park sexual assault suspect is described by LAPD officials as:

• Hispanic male
• 5-feet, 8-inches tall
• Dark hair
• Brown eyes
• A mustache

Police believe the sexual predator weighs between 180 and 200 pounds.

LAPD officials are urging anyone with information related to the sexual assault incident at the Echo Park apartment complex to immediately contact Rampart Station Detectives at 213-484-3625. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone who wishes to submit a tip anonymously may do so online via Crime Stoppers.

Los Angeles Sexual Assault Crimes – Police Continue to Seek the Public’s Assistance

Multiple recent sexual assaults covered here on the Dordulian Law Group (DLG) blog have included requests from local law enforcement officials in helping to identify suspects.

Some of those recent sexual assault incidents occurring in the Los Angeles-area include:

• A local basketball coach – Paul Anthony Davis (33) – was arrested last week following alleged sexual assaults of a minor which occurred in the 5700 block of Centinela Avenue as well the 17000 block of West Sunset Boulevard. As the suspect has coached basketball at the high school and youth levels for many years, LAPD officials believe there may be additional victims who have yet to be identified.
• Earlier this month, a local high school trainer who previously worked at Birmingham Community Charter High School and Van Nuys High School was arrested on more than 15 sex crime counts. Richard Turner, 64, faces charges including forcible rape, forcible penetration with a foreign object, and sexual penetration of an unconscious person. Turner is believed to have sexually assaulted at least 10 high school student victims, and police are urging anyone with additional information to contact them at 818-374-5415.
• Also earlier this month, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Eliel Mejia, 22, of Santa Paula, California, on multiple sex crime counts. Mejia is accused of luring at least two victims into his truck and sexually assaulting them. He faces numerous charges, including sexual assault, assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal threats. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to a crime committed by Mejia to immediately contact Detective DeLaCerda via 805-384-4724.

Get Justice by Contacting a DLG Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer

DLG is a premier, top-rated, and award-winning California sexual assault firm offering clients the support, discretion, and compassion they deserve throughout the civil claims process. Founded by Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County who obtained life sentences against some of the area’s most heinous sexual predators, DLG offers survivors peace of mind through personalized attention, professionalism, and proven results.

Our unique four-tiered SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) provides each and every client with a wealth of resources and support:

• Litigation Team: With over 100 jury trial victories and 25 years of experience, Sam Dordulian leads a team of dedicated and skilled sexual assault attorneys.
• Investigative Lead: Moses Castillo, a retired LAPD sex crimes detective in the elite Abused Child Unit with over 30 years of experience, serves as our in-house Chief Investigator.
• Mental Health Lead: DLG employs an in-house licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience specifically assisting sexual assault survivors.
• Victim Advocate Lead: DLG employs a licensed and nationally accredited victim advocate who is devoted to helping sexual assault survivors

If you experienced a sexual assault incident, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

For a free and confidential consultation regarding your sexual assault lawsuit, contact a member of DLG’s SAJE Team today at 818-322-4056.

Dordulian Law Group’s skilled and proven sexual abuse lawyers have secured more than $200,000,000 in settlements and verdicts for survivors while maintaining a 98% winning record. When you’re ready to pursue justice against a perpetrator on your own terms following a sexual assault incident, we’re here to fight tirelessly as your dedicated legal advocates.