Boyle Heights rape: Suspect arrested for attack in victim's bedroom

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in the rape of a 30-year-old woman, who woke up to the attack in her own Boyle Heights bedroom.

Manuel Larios Munoz, 21, was arrested under the 101 Freeway and 1st Street, where he was living. He was charged with one count of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by a foreign object and first-degree residential burglary with a person present.

The incident happened on May 15 in the 1800 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. The male suspect allegedly forced the woman's living room window open and climbed inside her home. He then took off all his clothes, except his underwear, and went inside her bedroom holding a machete, Los Angeles police said.

The woman woke up to find a stranger standing at the foot of her bed, who allegedly said that he was just there for sex, before sexually assaulting her, police said. Afterwards, he put on his clothes and fled the home.

Los Angeles police later assigned additional foot patrols to reach out to the community, which they credit with the tip that led to the suspect.

If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison.

Anyone with information is asked to call Los Angeles Police Det. Nguyen at (323) 342-8992. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.