LAPD Releases Sexual Assault Suspect’s Booking Photograph NR09268rf

Detectives Believe There May Be Other Victims

Los Angeles: On Sunday, May 17, 2009, a 31-year-old female met with a group of friends at the Ecco Ultra Lounge in Hollywood, located at 1640 Cahuenga Boulevard.  She had taken a taxi cab to the club.  At 2 a.m., another cab, driven by Armen Ayvazian, was summoned to the club and took the victim to her residence.  When she opened her front door, Ayvazian entered and followed her inside where he sexually assaulted her.  The suspect then fled the location after the assault.     

Detectives assigned to the Special Assault Section of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide Division conducted a lengthy investigation and worked closely with the City’s Taxicab Regulation Division and Department of Transportation, as well as the LAPD’s Fugitive Warrant Section to identify and arrest Ayvazian.  On June 3, 2009, detectives arrested Ayvazian at his residence in North Hills, California, where he was taken into custody without incident.  The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed several charges of felony sexual assault and possession of an assault weapon against Ayvazian.  He remains in custody on $235,000 bail.

Ayvazian is described as a male Armenian, black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 200 pounds and 38 years of age.  Ayvazian’s taxicab is described as a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, four-door, with a blue top and a white body, red trim, and red lettering with “Independent Cab Co.” written on the side.  The taxicab was properly permitted through the Department of Transportation.  

Based on the mobility of taxicabs, detectives believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Robbery-Homicide Division Detective Al Contreras or Lieutenant Felicia Hall at 213-485-2921.  After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org.  All tips may remain anonymous.