Serial Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested NR15182jr

Los Angeles: On May 17,
2015, around 11:30 p.m., Wilshire patrol officers responded to a
911 call of a screaming woman near the intersection of Beverly
Boulevard and Croft Avenue.

The victim, described a man who attacked her while she was out
walking her dog. Officers searched the area and quickly detained
33-year-old Antonio Montano, a Los Angeles resident. The victim
immediately identified Montano as the suspect. As a result of this
arrest and the subsequent investigation, sexual assault
investigators from both the Los Angeles Police Department and Santa
Monica Police Department are now seeking the public’s help in
identifying additional victims of a sexual assault. Further
investigation revealed Santa Monica Police Department was
investigating Montano for three nearly identical cases, leading to
his arrest.

Santa Monica Police Detectives believe Montano committed similar
offenses on two occasions. Police believe Montano left behind
evidence at the scene of one assault, which led to his
identification in the other two Santa Monica cases. When notified
by LAPD that Montano was in custody, detectives from both agencies
began working together to ensure information discovered in all the
investigations would lead to the most effective prosecution. On May
19, 2015, investigators from both agencies presented their case to
the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, resulting in
four counts of Assault with Intent to Commit Rape, a violation of
section 220(a)(1) of the California Penal Code. He remains in
custody with bail of $2 million dollars.

Antonio Montano

Montano has ties to Santa Monica, West Covina, and the West Los
Angeles and Korea Town areas of Los Angeles. Detectives are asking
potential victims to contact their respective police agencies if
they believe Montano attacked them, as well.

Anyone with information about any of these crimes or who can help
identify additional victims in the City of Los Angeles are asked to
call Operations West Bureau-Special Assault Section at (213)
473-0447. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be
directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to
remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(1-800-222-8477). 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.

The Santa Monica Police Department is asking potential victims and
witnesses to related crimes in the City of Santa Monica to contact
Detective Michael Chun at 310.458.8941.