Homeless Man Arrested After Breaking Into Bedroom, Exposing Himself

By Jorge Casuso

September 12, 2024 -- A homeless prowler with a criminal record was arrested Saturday after entering an apartment near Reed Park and exposing himself to the victim, who had been sleeping in her bed.

The incident -- which comes after two indecent exposure arrests the previous week -- took place at approximately 4:10 a.m. on the 900 block of 7th Street, police said.

Anthony Townson (Courtesy SMPD)

The victim told police "she was asleep inside her apartment when she was awakened by the suspect who was touching her leg while his penis was exposed," said SMPD spokesperson Lt. Erika Aklufi.

The victim was able to get away from the suspect, who fled the scene, and called police, Aklufi said.

Responding officers found the suspect -- identified as 34-year-old Anthony Townson -- nearby and took him into custody.

"It was determined the suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked patio sliding door," Aklufi said. The unit was on the second floor.

Townson’s criminal history includes trespassing, loitering on private property, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting and obstructing police, battery on a peace officer and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger.

Townson was arraigned Tuesday and charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with residential burglary and indecent exposure during unlawful entry, both felonies

He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, police said.

The incident took place shortly after officers made two arrests for indecent exposure in public, furthering what Police Chief Ramon Batista has called "a disturbing string of crimes, particularly sexual assaults occurring in public spaces" ("Police Chief Addresses Recent 'String of Crimes,'" September 6, 2024).

In one incident, the suspect exposed himself then blocked the victim's path and "touched his erect penis to the victim’s hand," police said ("Sex Crimes Continue Disturbing Trend," September 11, 2024).

In the other incident, the victim claimed the suspect "pulled out his penis and began masturbating while looking at the victim." Both suspects were arrested for indecent exposure.

Anyone with information about Saturday's incident or the individual involved should call Det. Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.