Police Ask for the Public’s Help to Catch Van Nuys Rapist NR10540js

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help to catch a man, who raped a woman in the 6800 block of Kester Avenue in the Van Nuys Area.  

On Sunday, November 14, at about 5:40 p.m., the suspect stopped his car next to a 22-year-old woman, who was walking on the street, and asked for directions.  When the woman refused, the man exited his car, grabbed her and pushed her to the ground.  The suspect physically held the woman down, choking her.  He then removed her pants and raped her.  

The suspect drove away from the location in a black, four-door car.  

The suspect was described as a 28- to 30-year-old, Hispanic male with short black hair and dark eyes.  He is about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 160 to 170 pounds and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans.  

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Andrew Woods, Van Nuys Sexual Assault Unit at 818-374-1926.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637      (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.