LOS ANGELES, CA – A man was arrested Thursday afternoon in West Los Angeles after allegedly assaulting a woman in her home and punching a young child, all while unclothed, according to police.
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a residential area on Barry Avenue, near Pico Boulevard, at approximately 12:30 p.m. after receiving reports of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers found a 63-year-old woman who had reportedly been attacked by a man identified as Ishmail Bangura.
According to police, Bangura—who was naked at the time—had entered the woman’s home without permission and threatened to rape and kill her. The woman fled the residence, but police say Bangura pursued her, knocked her to the ground, and climbed on top of her while continuing to make violent threats.
Nearby residents intervened and managed to pull the suspect away from the victim before officers arrived and took him into custody. The woman was transported to a local hospital by paramedics. Her condition has not been disclosed.
Authorities later determined that prior to the attack on the woman, Bangura had allegedly assaulted a child in a nearby apartment building. Police said he punched a 3-year-old girl while inside an elevator, again while fully unclothed. Details on the child’s condition were not released.
Bangura was booked on suspicion of felony assault with intent to commit rape and burglary. Police have not indicated whether additional charges will be filed in connection with the incident involving the child.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not released further details about Bangura’s background or a possible motive for the attacks.
