A 63-year-old woman in Los Angeles’ Sawtelle neighborhood was violently attacked by a naked man in what witnesses described as a drug-fueled rampage.
Construction Crew Stops Assault
Developer Rick Dreyfus and his construction crew were working on a project on Barrington Avenue when they heard desperate cries for help.
Dreyfus’ account:
“We looked over and saw a man assaulting an elderly lady. She was face down. He was on her back, and he was sexually assaulting her.”
Dreyfus and his workers ran toward the scene, causing the suspect to flee.
Who Is the Suspect?
Name: Ishmail Bangura, 33
Charges & History:
- Previously charged with burglary, car theft, and carrying a concealed weapon
- Lived at the Iris Building, an LA Housing complex for low-income and formerly homeless residents
- Frequently seen in a nearby homeless encampment, where neighbors say he was often smoking crack
Before attacking the woman, Bangura also hit a 3-year-old child in the face, police said.
Community Outrage Over Crime & Homeless Encampment
Residents Say the Encampment Has Fueled Crime
Neighbor Vic Pacheco:
“We’ve been expecting something like this. We really feel, in this neighborhood, we’re under siege.”
Concerns from residents & developers:
- Increase in drug use & violence
- Frequent fights & fires under the freeway
- Encampment declared unlawful but not yet dismantled
Dreyfus’ frustration with city inaction:
“The city told me months ago that they must post a sign before clearing the encampment. I got my own sign made in 24 hours!”
Victim Recovering; Neighborhood Demands Action
The victim was hospitalized and received stitches before returning home on Friday.
Dreyfus, on the lack of intervention:
“I’m furious now. It’s crazy that we tolerate this stuff.”
Next Steps:
- Residents demand immediate clearing of the encampment
- Calls for stronger enforcement against repeat offenders
