Suspect Cuffed For Van Nuys Rape Attempt

VAN NUYS, CA – Police Tuesday arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of attempting to rape a woman nearly a month ago in Van Nuys.

Antonio Reyes of Arleta was arrested at work and booked on suspicion of attempted rape, police said at a news conference at the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Station.

The woman, who is in her 30s, fought the suspect off when she was assaulted near her apartment about 5:40 a.m. on Aug. 12 in the 14400 block of Vanowen Street, near Van Nuys Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said she "put on at least a two- to three-minute fight" with the suspect as he pulled down her pants and underwear.

The suspect, who reeked of alcohol, spoke to the woman in Spanish, which she does not speak, she told police.

"The suspect stepped in front of the victim and engaged in a conversation and then suddenly, without warning reach(ed) out to grab her," police said. "The victim resisted and the suspect attempted to take her pants off."

The struggle continued with the suspect and victim wrestling on the ground. The victim was finally able to wrestle free from the suspect, and the suspect fled.

Video of the attack shows cars rolling by and a pedestrian pass nearby, with no one coming to the woman's aid.

Detectives today provided Reyes photos in case there are additional victims of other unreported incidents.

Anyone with information can contact Van Nuys area detectives at (818) 374-9500. 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 can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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--City News Service contributed to this report/Image via LAPD