Police are searching for the suspects they believe have been involved in a series of vicious attacks against a transgender woman in her store in Westlake.
The attacks, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, have been happening since April 8.
“Over the span of five separate incidents ranging from an attempted sexual assault and aggravated assaults to a robbery with a firearm, she has been repeatedly victimized by, we believe, the same group of suspects,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday. “These attacks have included verbal slurs, physical violence with weapons, and most recently on May 31, an attempted shooting during a robbery in which $30,000 was taken from her residence.”
Chief McDonnell added that one person was arrested on May 27 and is still in custody. That person was not identified.
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During the first attack, police say the victim was inside her store when the suspect walked in and flirted with her.
“The victim rejected his advantage, and he left,” a press release by the department read. ‘However, the suspect returned a short time later and pushed her to the ground. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and discovered she was a transgender woman. The suspect pulled away and threatened to kill the victim.”
Captain Ben Fernandes, area commander of Rampart Division, told KNX News’ Jon Baird the most recent attack left the woman significantly hurt.
“I believe she required stitches,” he said.
He added that there is a hate crime allegation in the case.
“I don't know if they're looking at it as an opportunity to try and get money from her or whatever, but they're also saying and doing things that make it consistent with a hate crime,” he said.
On Monday, the department shared pictures of the men they believe are the suspects in both the April and May attacks.
Anyone with information was urged to contact LAPD Rampart Division detectives at 213-484-3495.
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