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The arrests were made and accusations were made against an 18-year-old man who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on the LA Metrobus last month.
Edgar Zepeda was formally charged with sexual battery on Friday, attempting to rob an armed first-degree robbery and forced oral mating.
On the evening of April 12th, Zepeda boarded the East Hollywood Lametro Bus, sitting behind the 33-year-old woman, at which point she pulled out a knife to take her.
When the woman said she had no money, he sexually assaulted her with a knife point, authorities said. He then got off the bus at a stop near the Expo Park and escaped the scene on foot.
Security images of the suspect in the sexual assault were released earlier this week by the Los Angeles Police Department, which ultimately identified Zepeda and arrested.
The circumstances of his arrest were not immediately revealed by police.
Zepeda appeared in first court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Los Angeles police released security images from a sexual assault on a metro bus in East Hollywood on April 12, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Station) Los Angeles Police have released security images from the April 12, 2025 sexual assault on the East Hollywood Metrobus. (Los Angeles Police Station)
“The brutal attacks by a woman on public transport should have made her feel safe – is deplorable and unacceptable,” Hochman said in a news release. “No one in Los Angeles County should have to live in fear while getting on a bus, walking the streets, or simply doing everyday life.”
Zepeda will return to court on May 15th. If convicted as a charge, he could face up to 15 years of life in prison. He is currently in police custody on $1.15 million bail.
The investigation is still underway, and detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not been contacted.
Potential victims or witnesses may contact detectives in the LAPD Southwest Sex Crime Division at 323-290-2976. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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