Man, 22, Is Sought in Valley Rapes

Authorities announced a $50,000 reward Friday for information leading to the capture and conviction of a man who allegedly raped several females in the San Fernando Valley, including a 14-year-old girl.

Three felony arrest warrants have been issued for Frank Briseno, 22, who is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous, Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Ronald Bergmann said.

Police believe Briseno is the “Arleta rapist,” an attacker who has used a gun in two kidnappings and rapes. He is also suspected of attempted rape. The incidents occurred near Pierce Street and Arleta Avenue in Arleta, the 9400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard in North Hills and in El Caruso Park in Sylmar. The victims ranged from 14 to 22 years old, police said.

The Los Angeles City Council approved the award after police found undisclosed evidence.

“We recovered a stolen car that we have established Briseno was in, and from that car we recovered physical evidence, in addition to other evidence we’ve recovered during the course of the investigation,” LAPD Det. James Clifford said.

“Today, with this reward offer, we are reaching out to the public for help,” Clifford said. “Anyone with knowledge of Briseno’s whereabouts is strongly urged to contact our office.”

Briseno is known to frequent the area around Arleta Avenue and Kagel Canyon Street in Arleta, as well as areas in Lancaster and Anaheim, police said.

Briseno is described as having brown hair, brown eyes, between 5 feet 8 and 5 feet 10, and 150 to 180 pounds. He has tattoos on both arms, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (818) 756-8111 or (877) 529-3855.