Kidnap ” Sexual Assault NR13230st

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) Special Assault Section is asking for the public’s help to identify a kidnap – sexual assault suspect that occurred in the Topanga area.

On July 4, 2013, around 5:30 p.m., a 19-year-old female victim was leaving her job at the Westfield Topanga Mall.  The victim was standing near her car, in the parking lot, when she was approached by an unknown suspect.

The suspect was described as an early twenty-year-old male, African American.  He stands around 5 feet and 6 inches to 5 feet and 8 inches tall, and weighs around 140 to 160 pounds and is of a fit build.

The suspect, armed with a knife, forced the victim into her car at knifepoint and held her hostage for about three hours.  During this time, the suspect directed her to drive him around to multiple locations in the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles areas.

The suspect stole property from the victim and also gained access to her bank account through her ATM card.  During the time that she was held, she was also sexually assaulted by the suspect.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is urged to contact, 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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. Tips may also be emailed at RHD-SAS@LAPD.LACITY.ORG.