Gang member arrested in rape of woman at Lincoln Heights restroom

LINCOLN HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police have arrested a 27-year-old suspect who allegedly attacked and raped a woman at gunpoint in a public restroom near a playground in Lincoln Heights in broad daylight Monday.

Edgar Alexander Lobos, who has a lengthy criminal history of vandalism, possession of controlled substances and domestic violence, was arrested around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. The known gang member was carrying a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest.

"At the time he was taken into custody, he had a small caliber handgun in his possession that we believe was used in the course of the sexual assault," LAPD Capt. William Hayes said during an afternoon press conference.

Lobos had been released from police custody following a narcotics-related parole violation just hours earlier.

"He had been released just after midnight that morning and within 12 hours had victimized another person," Hayes said.

Lobos allegedly approached the victim and attempted to strike up a conversation with her as she walked through Lincoln Park near N. Mission Road and N. Main Street around noon Monday.

The victim ignored Lobos, at which point he allegedly approached her from behind, held a gun to her head and forced her into a public restroom, where he raped her, police said.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for assault and rape.

Tips from witnesses and the victim led detectives to Lobos, who has very distinctive facial tattoos that aided in his identification. He's being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Anyone with information on this case was asked to call the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division at (213) 486-6890. Anonymous tips can be made at (800) 222-TIPS.