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Door-to-Door Magazine Salesman Allegedly Beat, Burglarized and Attempted to Rape Woman
Photo by CarbonNYC via Flickr
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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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