MID-WILSHIRE : Reward Offered in Attack on 5 Women

A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men who assaulted, raped and robbed five women during a home invasion.

The men, armed with handguns, broke into the house in the 800 block of South Norton Avenue about 8:30 p.m. May 29, police said. The assailants filled pillowcases with household items and stole two cars from the driveway after sexually assaulting and beating the five women.

The reward was established Tuesday by the City Council. Police Detective Mike Buttitta said friends of victims are gathering resources and hope to double that reward.

One of the stolen cars was abandoned and set on fire in the 4300 block of Exposition Boulevard the morning after the incident, and the second was discovered abandoned June 3 in a vacant lot near Washington and Crenshaw boulevards.

Police describe one suspect as a 20- to 24-year-old black male, about 6 feet tall and weighing 180 to 200 pounds. Witnesses said he wore black pants and a Los Angeles Raiders jacket during the crime.

The second suspect was described as a thin 17- to 20-year-old black male, about 5-feet-9. Witnesses said he was wearing black pants and a black jacket.

Anyone with information about the incident or suspects should call Buttitta at (213) 485-2921, or, after-hours and on weekends, the tip hot line at (213) 485-2504. Tipsters may remain anonymous.