Man charged for 2 sexual assaults along Highway 39 in Angeles National Forest

Michelle Fisher Image
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Man arrested for 2 alleged sexual assaults in Angeles National Forest
A 40-year-old man was arrested for two alleged sexual assaults in the Angeles National Forest, and authorities are seeking more possible victims.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday for two alleged sexual assaults along Highway 39 in the Angeles National Forest, and authorities are seeking more possible victims.

Eduardo Sarabia was charged with two felony counts of forcible rape and oral copulation, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was being held without bail.

Authorities say the alleged assaults happened Sunday and Monday - between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. - in the remote canyon hills above Azusa.

The Sheriff's Department released a booking photo of Sarabia and a photo of the suspect's white van, which authorities say was used in the attacks.

Sarabia was arrested after a deputy made contact with him near mile marker 21, along Highway 39. He was ordered out of the van at gunpoint.

The deputy reported to dispatch that he could hear a woman in the back of the van screaming for help.

Sarabia is scheduled to appear in court June 27.

Detectives believe there may be more possible victims due to the nature of the allegations.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff Department's Special Victims Bureau at 877-710-5273.