This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Hikers Save Woman Walking Dog from Attacker near Runyon Canyon Park
Hikers who had been at Runyon Canyon Park came to the aid of the victim (Photo by phot0matt via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
A woman walking her dog early Saturday morning was rescued by hikers when an attacker threw her to the ground and tried to remove her clothing.
The incident took place at around 8 a.m., say authorities, according to ABC7. "The victim was walking her dog on Fuller Avenue, just south of the popular hiking spot, when witnesses said the suspect suddenly attacked."
The suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Dejan Sebastian, lunged for the victim, and though she was screaming for help, he proceeded to attempt to pull her pants down.
People in the vicinity heard her screams, and several people took footage and photos of the incident.
Passersby, who were apparently hiking at Runyon Canyon Park, stopped to come to the woman's aid. They pulled Sebastian off the victim, and held him down until the authorities arrived.
Sebastian was taken into custody and was being held on $100,000 bail.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
