A rape victim’s “fear or shame” delayed reporting the crime to authorities, but now that police are aware of the attack they released a composite drawing Wednesday of the suspect who sexually assaulted the 18-year-old woman at knifepoint in Reseda.
The crime occurred about 10 p.m. March 27 as the victim walked home in an alley near Victory Boulevard and Corbin Street, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.
“So far, this is the only such attack we’re aware of,” said LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy. “This type of stranger attack is very rare, but represents a real danger. We want to find this man right away.”
She said the victim “heard the sound of a knife opening, then felt someone grab her and hold her against the wall, with a knife to her throat. The suspect sexually assaulted the woman, then ran away.
“The young victim went home, feeling scared and ashamed, but uninjured. She did not tell anyone what happened for several weeks,” Toosbuy said. “As a detective and as a woman, I understand how a victim might delay reporting a sexual assault out of fear or shame. Once she felt reassured and encouraged by a family member, she did come forward and provided useful details.”
The suspect was described as white, 25-27 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Toosbuy at (818) 374-7718, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
—City News Service