Santa Monica
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By Jorge Casuso

March 22, 2019 -- A homeless man who frequents Expo train stations in Santa Monica is wanted for the rape of a woman at the Metro Red-Line Station in East Hollywood earlier this month.

The suspect -- described as a black man with a shaved head and scar on his left forearm -- "strangled, punched and raped the victim," Los Angeles Police said.

Suspect in rape frequents Santa Monica stations (Courtesy LAPD)

The rape took place on March 14 around 6 p.m. in a "secluded, emergency exit-room" at the MTA station on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.

Police said the suspect lured his victim after she asked him for directions.

According to LAPD, the suspect "frequents the Metro stations from Compton to Santa Monica."

The suspect has brown eyes and is between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs between 165 and 180 pounds, police said.

He wears an earring on his right ear and has a 2 to 3-inch scar on his left forearm, police said. He wears all dark clothing.

Anyone with information should contact Northeast Detective Rodriguez at 323-561-3328.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD."

Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.