Man arrested in kidnapping, sexual assault of 14-year-old at El Sereno park
A man suspected of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old at an El Sereno park has been arrested, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Edward William Banks of Los Angeles was arrested last week after tips from residents led officers to the 27-year-old in the 2500 block of Mallory Street, according to the LAPD. Banks was booked on a charge of aggravated kidnapping to commit rape and is held on $1-million bail.
Earlier on Tuesday, the suspect approached the teenager, then threatened the victim with a weapon and forced the victim into a bathroom, where Banks allegedly sexually assaulted the victim, the LAPD said in a news release. The alleged assault occurred in the 4700 block of Klamath Street, at the El Sereno Recreation Center, according to police.
Jesus Manuel Salgado was charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of a Merced family he is accused of kidnapping.
A video that captured a portion of the incident shows a man walking the teenager down a neighborhood street with his arm draped around the teen while they pass homes and cars. At least three times during the video clip, the teen raised an arm as cars drove by them.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the LAPD’s Juvenile Division at (213) 486-0570.
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