Suspect sought in rape of woman inside Van Nuys salon

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who allegedly dragged a woman to the back of a hair salon in Van Nuys and raped her.

The attack occurred at a business in the 14500 block of Vanowen Street around 7 p.m. Tuesday

"She was under the impression that he was waiting to get a haircut. She turned her back and he grabbed her from behind, dragged her into the back of the shop and proceeded to sexually assault her," LAPD Lt. Albert Gavin said.

The attack was caught on surveillance video but the full-length footage will not be released due to its graphic nature.

The victim put up a fight, police said.

"She struggled for quite a long time and was able to get away, but unfortunately, he was able to pull her back," Gavin said.

He eventually left the area, police said. Authorities did not specify which hair salon the assault occurred at.

On Thursday morning, authorities released a new surveillance photo which showed the same suspect in the same neighborhood a few days earlier.

Detectives are investigating tips that the suspect goes by the name of Enrique. They're also analyzing DNA evidence left at the scene.

The suspect was described as a 30-year-old Hispanic man with black hair, standing around 6 feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green jacket and blue pants.

Gavin says the victim is going through a lot of trauma.

"I'm sure she feels like she's embarrassed, but it's not her, it was him. He's the predator, and that's why we have to get him off the streets," Gavin said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Van Nuys Officer A. Vardanian of the Sexual Assault Detail at (818) 374-0008.