A 30-year-old man was behind bars Wednesday after being arrested on suspicion of attempted rape in connection with an attack on a woman at a business in downtown Los Angeles.
The alleged attack occurred at about 5 p.m. Sunday at a business near Eight and Main streets, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victim was at the location when the suspect, later identified as Joseph Lee Davis, entered the premises and allegedly began searching for items to take when he opened a door to a separate room and found the woman inside, police said.
“When the victim yelled at the suspect to leave, the suspect attempted to restrain her, knocking her to the ground,” according to an LAPD statement. “The suspect closed the door behind them, attempted to removed the victim’s pants (and) grabbed and sexually assaulted her.”
The victim fought back and was able to get out of the room and sought assistance from people at neighboring businesses, police said.
The suspect was escorted out and fled, but he was arrested at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Sixth and Julian streets, police said, adding that the incident was recorded on surveillance video.
Davis, who police said has a prior sexual battery conviction that requires him to register as a sex offender, was jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to online sheriff’s jail records.
Investigators believe Davis may have victimized others and urged anyone with relevant information to contact detectives at 213-996-1837. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.