Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are searching for additional victims after a man was arrested for allegedly stalking two minors and assaulting one of them in West Hollywood earlier this week.
Deputies from the West Hollywood Police Station responded on October 21 to the 1000 block of Havenhurst Drive, where two juveniles reported that a man was following them as they walked on the sidewalk. Investigators said one of the minors was assaulted before deputies arrived.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Elmer Mercado, was arrested on charges of lewd acts with a minor and harassment and harassment of a minor. On October 23, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed two misdemeanor counts of annoyance or molestation of a child.
Mercado remains in custody on $100,000 bail as the investigation continues, according to LASD.
Given the nature of the allegations, investigators said they believe there may be additional unidentified victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact LASD’s Special Victims Bureau at 877-710-5273 or via email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting the website lacrimestoppers.org.