LAPD says man sexually assaulted a woman in park bathroom just hours after he was released from jail

Los Angeles police have arrested a 27-year-old man who they say forced a woman into a Lincoln Heights bathroom at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her Monday afternoon, just 12 hours after he was released from jail.

LAPD Capt. Billy Hayes described Edgar Alexander Lobos as a gang member with a “rather lengthy criminal history,” including drug possession and domestic violence. Lobos had been jailed for violating his probation by having drugs.

Jail records showed Lobos had been arrested April 4 and was released from custody shortly after midnight Monday.

“Within 12 hours, he had victimized another person,” Hayes said.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

The woman was walking through Lincoln Park about noon Monday when a man approached her from behind with a gun and forced her into a bathroom, Hayes said.

By 10 p.m., detectives had gathered enough information from the victim and other people who had seen Lobos in the park to identify him as their suspect, Hayes said. The 27-year-old’s “distinctive” facial tattoos also helped lead investigators to Lobos, Hayes said.

Lobos was arrested about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in Pico-Union, Hayes said. Investigators also found the gun they believe was used in the attack.

Hayes said detectives were preparing their case to present to prosecutors and would also look into whether Lobos was involved in any other crimes. Lobos did not know the victim in Monday’s attack, Hayes said.

When asked about the woman’s condition, Hayes described the attack as a “very traumatic experience.”

“I don’t know that anybody is ever OK from something like this,” he said. “But physically, she is recovering.”

ALSO

Three Long Beach teens accused of plotting to kill fetus

Suspect in Orange County freeway standoff denies wrongdoing

Suspect in Clovis double-homicide allegedly told sister of victim: ‘You’re next’

kate.mather@latimes.com

Follow @katemather for more LAPD news.