Detectives Release Photos and Video of Suspects Wanted for Assaulting Transgender Woman NR13203rf

June 21, 2013

***UPDATE***

Yesterday evening, one of the assault suspects was arrested in Van Nuys during service of a search warrant. He has been identified as 21-year-old Los Angeles resident Nicol Shakhnazaryan.  He has been booked for felony battery charges and is currently in custody at the LAPD’s Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. His bail has been set at $1,050,000.  The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI providing some assistance as police continue looking for three more suspects. Additionally, the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Los Angeles:   Today, LAPD Hollywood Area detectives held a press conference to announce a $25,000 reward authorized by the Los Angeles City Council for information leading to the arrest of suspects responsible for seriously assaulting a transgender woman.

On May 31, 2013, around 2:15 a.m., a transgender woman known as “Vivian” was assaulted while walking on Hollywood Boulevard.  Her injuries were very severe, and she remained hospitalized for seven days.

LAPD Hollywood Area major assault crime detectives working the case are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects involved.  A special email account at hollywoodcrimetips@gmail.com has also been established for anyone who may have information about the assault.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact LAPD’s Hollywood Area Detective Division at (213) 972-2967. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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.