Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Man accused of raping women in Angeles National Forest

The suspect was arrested after a deputy heard a woman inside his van screaming for help, the sheriff's department said.

A view of Angeles National Forest in May 2024.
NBCLA

A man accused of raping multiple women in the same week in a secluded area of Angeles National Forest faces criminal charges, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Eduardo Sarabia, 40, was arrested at gunpoint along Highway 39 when a sheriff's deputy heard a woman inside his van screaming for help, according to police. LA County Sheriff's Department investigators said Sarabia is responsible for raping a second woman on May 12 in the same area where he was arrested.

He was charged with one count of forcible rape and one count of forcible oral copulation. Arraignment is scheduled for June 27.

It was not immediately clear whether he has an attorney who could speak on his behalf. He was held without bond.

Investigators released a booking photo of Sarabia, along with pictures of a white cargo van believed to have been used in the attacks. The attacks on May 12 and 13 allegedly occurred in the van while parking along state Route 39 in the national forest north of Los Angeles.

Police believe there may be more women who were attacked and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the LASD Special Victim Bureau at 877-710-5273 or by email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers or visit
lacrimestoppers.org.

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