Prowler in Arleta NR13414pv

Los Angeles:  Detectives have connected three recent incidents in Arleta where a thin Hispanic man has been seen prowling around homes.  In the last instance, he entered a home and attacked a 54-year-old woman lying on a couch.

On September 2, 2013, the woman had lain down on her couch after doing her laundry in an out-building around 11:30 p.m.  The prowler entered the home and grabbed the woman’s groin.  When she fought back, the prowler punched her repeatedly in the face and left the home.  “When she heard a sound, she thought it was her son and called to him,” said Det. Marc Madero, a sex investigator at the Mission Detective Division.  “Our victim was lucky and fought off the attacker.”

Detectives noted two similar incidents since August 30.  The first incident happened just a few doors down from the September 2 incident in the 13600 block of Bracken Street.  A woman was lying in bed when she heard a noise outside her window around 12:30 a.m.  Thinking it was her imagination, she went back to sleep only to be awaken again, seeing the figure of a thin man standing inside her bedroom.  When she screamed, the man dived out the window head first.

Twenty hours later and a few blocks south, a man was getting ready for bed in his home in the 9400 block of Nagle Avenue, when he heard his side gate rattle.  When he investigated, he saw a flashlight shine through a window and a man trying to get in.  The home owner called out in Spanish, “Who are you?” and the person answered in Spanish, “I am the police.”  The resident held the sliding door closed as the prowler tried to enter.  Eventually the prowler jumped a wall, and the witness heard a car engine start and drive away.

“The greatest concern is the suspect’s actions are becoming bolder, with the last incident being an actual attack on a woman,” Det. Madero explained.  “We want the neighborhood in the vicinity of Osborne and Nagle Streets to be alert, keep windows and doors locked, and listen for clues like barking dogs late at night.

Descriptions of the suspect have been vague:  Hispanic, thin build, about 5’10” tall.  In one case he was described wearing a baseball cap with NY on it.  He was also described wearing a leather jacket, which is a bit odd, given the current temperatures.  He apparently speaks Spanish, and may be driving a car into the neighborhood, which could mean he lives outside the neighborhood.

Incidents have included contacts with men and women.  “Often, the only difference between a burglar and a rapist is opportunity,” Det. Madero added.  “This suspect has shown he’s not afraid of confronting residents and his last contact shows he may be less interested in stealing property as attacking women.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Detectives, at (818) 838-9969. 4045Anonymous tips can be directed to "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-TIPS (8477).  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  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 "web tips" and follow the prompts.