Battery Acid Attack Burns Homeless Couple Sleeping In Valley Park

LOS ANGELES, CA — A homeless couple suffered serious burns when they were attacked with battery acid in their sleep at a Mission Hills park. Police on Friday were looking for suspects in what was apparently the third chemical attack targeting the homeless couple.

The woman, 42, suffered serious burns to her face requiring surgery, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The man, 35, was also hospitalized for less severe burns. The unsettling attacks come just weeks after police in Los Angeles arrested a suspected serial killer targeting sleeping homeless people.

The attack occurred just after midnight Sunday morning at Devonwood Park at Devonshire Street and Woodman Avenues.

"They were both asleep and woke up in pain," said Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman.

"The male stated he woke up to his female companion screaming in pain and running from where they were sleeping," Officer Tony Im told the Los Angeles Daily News.

The victims told police it was the third time in the past three weeks they've been attacked as they slept in the park, Im said. They said the first time they were doused with gasoline and the other time with bleach.

Anyone with information about the incidents was asked to call LAPD detectives at (818) 838-9800.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: Shutterstock