Suspect sought after woman beaten, raped at East Hollywood Metro Red Line station

A woman was strangled, punched and raped by a man in a secluded area of the Metro Red Line station in East Hollywood, and authorities on Friday were seeking the public's help in locating the suspect.

Los Angeles police said the victim asked the suspect for directions around 6 p.m. on March 14 in the 1500 block of North Vermont Avenue.

The suspect then lured the victim into a secluded, emergency exit room at the station and strangled, punched and raped her, police said.

The man is a transient who frequents the Metro station from Compton to Santa Monica, according to detectives.

The suspect was described as a black male with brown eyes, approximately 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet,10 inches tall and weighs about 165 to 180 pounds. He has a shaved head, wears an earring on his right ear, has a 2 inch to 3 inch scar on his left forearm and was wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective Rodriguez with the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Area at 323-561-3328. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).