A young woman says she was raped while riding on a Metro bus, and authorities are looking for the suspect, and have surveillance images to help determine his identity.The 18-year-old woman, who authorities say has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, reported the rape Wednesday evening at 5:10 p.m. The victim says she and the suspect got on the 217 bus at the same time at La Cienega Blvd. and Jefferson Blvd., in Culver City, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The LASD describes the suspect's encounter with the victim:
The suspect followed her to the rear of the bus where she sat down. The suspect, without any warning or provocation, stood and faced her while positioning himself between her legs and sexually assaulted her.
While the sexual assault was taking place, the only other passenger on the bus tried to get the bus driver's attention. However, after ten minutes of contact with the victim, the suspect exited the bus at its last stop, which was at the turnaround at Sepulveda Blvd. and Slauson Ave. At that time, the victim reported the rape to the bus driver.
The suspect is described as a male Black, between the ages of 18 - 20, 5’08”-5’10”, 150-160lbs, short cropped hair, dark complexion, wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt with narrow horizontal stripes. Anyone with information about the suspect and the alleged crime--particularly the unidentified passenger on the bus--is asked to contact the LASD immediately.
Harassment is not uncommon on Metro buses and trains; recently we shared several stories from women who report experiencing sexual harassment while riding Metro and other public transit systems.
Kerry Trotter (Photo courtesy LASD)
UPDATE 11:30 AM: The LASD are reporting they have made an arrest in the case, which they will discuss with the press later this afternoon.UPDATE 3:25 PM: This afternoon, the LASD has released information about the suspect in custody. Kerry Trotter was located using information provided to authorities from a tipster, and was arrested at a home in the 1400 Block of West 99th Street in Los Angeles.
Authorities say the suspect was positively identified and interviewed. A search of the location where he was arrested "provided additional evidence to support the allegations," according to the LASD.
Trotter, who has been booked at South Los Angeles Station on the charge of Rape, 261(a) (1) P.C., has "an extensive criminal history, including charges of sexual assault," say authorities.
Bail has been set at $1,000,000.00.
