Santa Monica Police Apprehend Serial Rapist Suspect in West Los Angeles

A man suspected in 4 sexual assaults that took place in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA was arrested Wednesday. He was not immediately identified

He was suspected in sexual assaults that took place in Santa Monica January 13 and February 5th, an April 15th assault in Beverly Hills, and a July 2nd assault in West LA

The Beverly Hills and West LA assaults were very violent. Initially, a sexual assault in Beverly Hills on July 2nd, was also thought to be related, but police say that is no longer believed to be the case.

The January 13th assault took place about 6:15 PM on the beach. The suspect said something in Spanish to the victim as he passed by, then turned and grabbed her. He held the victim down, raped her then fled.

The police press release from July 4th is hereinbelow:

Law enforcement officials believe two sexual assaults that occurred on July 2 and July 4 in West Los Angeles are related. Both assaults occurred near Santa Monica. Police believe the suspect, described as black and 25-30 years old, may have committed other similar crimes.

On Saturday, a woman walking home was grabbed from behind by the suspect and dragged to a dark path. A statement from the LAPD described the assault. "He threw her onto the ground and got on top of her. The victim fought back, but the suspect struck her numerous times and sexually assaulted her before fleeing."

The victim on Monday had been walking home when the suspect approached her. "He put his arm around her neck, pulled her down a driveway and forced her to the ground." After raping the woman, he fled on foot.

The suspect is described as 160 pounds and 6 feet to 6 feet two inches tall. He has black hair and facial hair.

Although the LAPD did not release the addresses of the rapes, the CrimeMapping.com website lists the 1900 block of S. Westgate as the site of a forcible rape at 4:15 pm on Monday. The police say the two sexual assaults occurred within a half mile of each other.