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Although it's pretty much illegal to go door to door unless you're permitted as a religious or political organization (as we know the city law, which seems to be pretty wishy washy in any case), magazine crews hit neighborhoods all the time. Yesterday morning, one young magazine salesman got out of hand after a 30-year-old Winnetka woman declined to buy. He allegedly forced his way inside, beat her, sexually assaulted her and stole money. With the victim's detailed description along with neighbors who spoke to the man before the attack, officers were able to connect the suspect to a magazine crew, which had already received neighborhood complaints, operating out of a local motel. The manager for the sales crew was able to give police a photo of the suspect, which was used to canvass the area. 23-year-old Gerald Vidal of Texas was arrested three hours later and positively identified by the victim and witnesses.
Vidal was booked for attempt rape and home invasion robbery and is currently being held on $5.6 million bail. Anyone with more information about this crime or similar attacks should call 818-756-4820 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
