LAPD Seeks Additional Victims of Koreatown Sexual Assaults

LOS ANGELES -- Investigators with the LAPD West Bureau’s Special Assault Section (SAS) are seeking additional victims and witnesses in a series of sexual assaults in the Koreatown area.

On Sept. 29, a 20-year-old woman reported that she was abducted and sexually assaulted by a suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Matthew Scott Reyes, in the area of 3rd Street and Western Avenue.

Reyes was subdued by a passerby and had to be hospitalized due to the injuries he sustained. When the officers arrived at scene, Reyes was taken into custody by LAPD patrol officers.

Follow-up investigations linked Reyes to two other sexual assaults in the area, in the previous month. On October 4, 2023, SAS detectives arrested Reyes and on October 6, 2023, the LA County District Attorney’s office filed six felony counts against Reyes, including two counts each of rape, forced oral copulation, and robbery.

Reyes remains in custody with a bail of $1.5 million.

Investigators identified three women whom Reyes assaulted, but believe there are others who have yet to come forward. A photograph of Reyes is being released in hopes to identify and speak with additional persons who may have been victimized.

Reyes is a male Filipino with brown eyes and black hair. His hair is shaved on the sides and worn in a ponytail with the tip dyed red. Reyes stands five feet nine inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He was employed as a security guard and may have worn a dark clothing resembling a security uniform during the assaults. At the time of his arrest, he was driving a white Toyota Corolla.

Detectives are requesting that anyone with information that could lead to the identification of additional victims or witnesses to contact LAPD’s Operations-West Bureau, Special Assault Section, at (213) 473-0447.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Also, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.