18-year-old charged in attempted robbery, sexual assault of woman on LA Metro bus

LA Metro sex assault suspect charged

Edgar Javier Zepeda, 18, is charged with forcible oral copulation, attempted first-degree robbery of a transit passenger, and sexual battery.

LOS ANGELES - An 18-year-old has been charged with attempting to rob and sexually assault a woman at knifepoint on a Metro bus in Los Angeles, LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced on Friday.

What we know:

The incident happened on April 12 around 9:52 p.m. in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Edgar Javier Zepeda is charged with forcible oral copulation, attempted first-degree robbery of a transit passenger, and sexual battery. The charges include allegations of using a deadly weapon, a knife, during the offenses. 

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Zepeda was arraigned and pleaded not guilty, with bail set at $1.15 million. 

What they're saying:

District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the attack, stating, "The brutal attack of a woman on public transportation — where she should have felt safe — is both deplorable and unacceptable." 

What's next:

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 15.

If convicted, Zepeda faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus four years and six months in state prison and must register as a sex offender for life. 

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the LAPD at 323-390-2976. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.