Arrest made in kidnapping, sexual assault of teen at El Sereno park: LAPD

Arrest made in kidnapping, sexual assault of teen girl

A man was caught on camera kidnapping a teenage girl moments before he sexually assaulted her, authorities said.

LOS ANGELES - Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department said an arrest has been made after a man was caught on camera kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenager at a park in El Sereno.

LAPD investigators said the incident happened on Oct. 11 at El Sereno Recreation Center.

Police say the suspect, identified as Edward William Banks, 27, approached a 14-year-old and threatened the victim with a weapon.

Banks then forced them into a bathroom and sexually assaulted the victim.

Police say he then fled the scene. However, parts of the incident were caught on security cameras. After releasing the video, several people called in with tips. Police were able to locate Banks in the 2500 block of Mallory Street where he was arrested and booked for aggravated kidnappings to commit rape.

Banks has been charged with one count each of kidnapping to commit another crime, forcible oral copulation of a minor age 14 or older, forcible sodomy of a minor age 14 or older and forcible sexual penetration of a minor age 14 or older. The charges also include special allegations of kidnapping and use of a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD's Juvenile Division at (213) 486-0570 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.