An arrest has been made and charges have been filed against an 18-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a woman on an LA Metro bus last month.
Edgar Zepeda was formally charged Friday with sexual battery, attempted armed first-degree robbery, and forcible oral copulation.
On the evening of April 12, Zepeda allegedly boarded an LA Metro bus in East Hollywood and took a seat behind a 33-year-old woman, at which point he pulled out a knife and attempted to rob her.
When the woman said she didn’t have any money, he sexually assaulted her at knife-point, authorities said. He then got off the bus at a stop near Exposition Park and fled the scene on foot.
Security images of the suspect in the sexual assault were released by the Los Angeles Police Department earlier this week, which eventually led to Zepeda being identified and arrested.
The circumstances of his arrest were not immediately disclosed by police.
Zepeda made his initial court appearance Friday and pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who said his office is committed to “holding criminals fully accountable” for violent crimes.
“The brutal attack of a woman on public transportation — where she should have felt safe — is both deplorable and unacceptable,” Hochman said in a news release. “No one in Los Angeles County should have to live in fear while riding a bus, walking down the street, or simply going about their daily lives.”
Zepeda is due back in court on May 15. If convicted as charged, he could face a maximum of 15 years to life in prison. He’s currently in police custody on $1.15 million bail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not been contacted.
Any potential victims or witnesses can contact detectives with the LAPD Southwest sex crimes division at 323-290-2976. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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