On Sept. 29, the Glendale Police Department investigated a call of a sexual assault incident in progress. The suspect, a 48 year old Pasadena homeless man was located and taken into custody shortly after the violent attack.
At about 4 a.m., the GPD responded to the 300 block of Los Feliz Road on a 9-1-1 call from a witness who observed what was believed to be a sexual assault occurring in progress. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located both the suspect and the female victim who was still lying on the ground half nude and with visible injuries. The suspect attempted to flee from officers but was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. An officer sustained minor injuries at the conclusion of the foot pursuit as the suspect fought with officers.
Through the course of the investigation, officers learned that the victim, a 56-year-old homeless woman from the Los Angeles area was sleeping on a bus bench near the intersection of Los Feliz Road and Central Avenue in the City of Glendale. She woke up as she was being approached by the suspect who attempted to engage the victim in conversation. After a short period of time, the suspect began sexually assaulting the victim and threatening to harm the victim if she did not stop screaming. The suspect then dragged the victim away from the bus bench and pushed her over to the other side of a small retaining wall where they were hidden from public view. The suspect then raped and sexually assaulted the victim. During this time, the victim also sustained trauma to her face due to repeatedly being punched by the suspect. A witness who observed the attack called 9-1-1.
Detectives learned the 48-year-old suspect identified as Michael Zinzun is a registered sex offender based out of the City of Pasadena and his original offense occurred in Florida. Zinzun does not have prior police contacts in Glendale and was believed to be passing through the city.
Zinzun was booked for rape by means of force and fear. He remains in custody and the case will be presented to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Detectives suspect Zinzun may be responsible for other sexual assaults and are urging the public to call the police with any information at (818) 548-4911.