Introduction to the Incident
The Los Angeles Police Department requested the public’s assistance on Monday in locating three men suspected of assaulting a 61-year-old transgender woman multiple times at her business in the Westlake district in what it calls a series of hate crimes.
Details of the Assault
Rampart Division Robbery Section detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and have released surveillance photos of the suspects to encourage those individuals to come forward following reports of a suspect entering the victim’s store on April 8, flirting with her, and later punching her to the ground after she rejected his advances, police said.
Sequence of Events
The suspect later discovered the victim was a transgender woman and allegedly sexually assaulted her before he "pulled away" and threatened to kill her. Police stated that the same suspect had returned to the location multiple times with additional suspects and committed hate crimes against the victim, which involved one of the suspects striking the victim with a skateboard, deploying pepper spray, and throwing an unknown liquid substance at the victim as another suspect attempted to stun her with a Taser.
Request for Public Assistance
Anyone with additional information regarding the crimes was urged to call Rampart Division Robbery detectives at 213-484-3495. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be made to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Conclusion
The assault on the transgender woman in the Westlake district is a disturbing incident that highlights the need for vigilance and community involvement in preventing hate crimes. The Los Angeles Police Department’s request for public assistance in locating the suspects is a crucial step towards ensuring justice for the victim and preventing future incidents.
FAQs
What is the nature of the crime?
The crime involves the physical and sexual assault of a 61-year-old transgender woman by three men, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
How can I report information?
You can report information by calling Rampart Division Robbery detectives at 213-484-3495 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes, you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
What is the police department doing to investigate the crime?
The police department is reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and encouraging additional victims to come forward to investigate the crime and locate the suspects.
