‘Teardrop Rapist’ Suspect Held on $1.35-Million Bail

A Los Angeles man suspected of being the “teardrop rapist” remained in custody Saturday in connection with two sexual assaults, including an attack on a 13-year-old girl in Hollywood.

Police said Matthew Gonzalez, 21, who has teardrop tattoos under both eyes, was arrested about 7:30 p.m. Friday at Venice Boulevard and 12th Avenue in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles.

Gonzalez was booked on nine sexual assault charges stemming from the abduction and rape of a 13-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman, police said. He is being held in lieu of $1.35-million bail.

The arrest occurred after an extensive investigation that included the release of a composite drawing of the suspect and the questioning of at least one other suspect.

Police said that on the morning of June 18, a man matching Gonzalez’s description abducted the 13-year-old girl in Hollywood and raped her in a carport behind an apartment building.

On July 22, an 18-year-old woman walking in Koreatown was forced behind a building and raped, authorities said.

Police said each victim gave a similar description of her attacker, including teardrop tattoos, which are fairly common among some gang members.

Police said they served a search warrant at the suspect’s Mid-City home on Friday evening and apprehended him after a short chase on foot.