Suspect Arrested in Rape of Salon Employee Caught on Camera

VAN NUYS, CA - Police have arrested a man accused entering a beauty salon, grabbing a hair stylist, dragging her to the rear of the business and sexually assaulting her.

The brutal attack was caught on tape.

The attack occurred about 7 p.m. Tuesday in the 14500 block of Vanowen Street, according to Los Angeles police Officer Anna Vardanian.

The victim was alone in the store at the time of the assault when the suspect sexually assaulted her inside the store and ran away in an incident caught on video, authorities said.

The assault occurred at Vanessa's Beauty & Barber shop, where the woman was employed as a hair stylist, police said.

Police said the suspect entered the salon and waited while the victim finished with a client. When the client left, the suspect dragged the victim to the back of the business, where he raped her.

"We need to get this predator off the streets and we need to do that as soon as possible," LAPD Lt. Jim Gavin said before the arrest. "I would hate to think that we have other victims or potential victims out there."

Gavin added, "In my 28 years, I'll never forget this. This was shocking. I had never imagined I would witness something like that based on video."

Although the suspect has not been identified, it previously was revealed he may go by the name Enrique. He was said to be about 30 years old, 6 feet tall and about 180 pounds.

Anyone with information about the attack was asked to call Vardanian of the Sexual Assault Detail at (818) 374-0008 or 911. Tipsters can also call the 24-hour tip line at (877) LAPD-24-7 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. All tips can be made anonymously.

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City News Service