CARSON (CNS) - A felony arrest warrant has been issued for a 23-year- old man suspected of attacking a convenience store clerk in the unincorporated West Carson area, a sheriff's deputy said today.
Assistance from the public led authorities to identify Julio Cesar Roman as the suspect in the attack on Darlecia D'Andrade, which occurred about 5:56 a.m. on June 16 in the 900 block of West Sepulveda Boulevard, near Vermont Avenue, said Deputy Trina Schrader of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.
Roman allegedly entered the store of the gas station, made a small purchase and asked D'Andrade if he could use the restroom. He entered the restroom, but exited seconds later asking that she fix the toilet, Schrader said.
“Prompted by the suspect's request, the clerk entered the restroom as the suspect followed her inside,” Schrader said. “While both were inside the restroom, the suspect suddenly attacked the clerk, slashing her across her face and abdomen with an unknown object. The clerk had never seen the suspect before, and there is no known motive for the attack.”
The suspect ran out of the store and into a red four-door sedan with a sunroof. He was last seen driving south on Vermont Avenue, she said.
Roman was described as a 5-foot, 5-inch tall Latino man weighing 150 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing a black and green hat with the phrase, “I (marijuana leaf) weed,” a red T-shirt and black pants. Authorities said the red four-door sedan has been located.
“Suspect Roman may frequent the San Pedro area and we are seeking the public's help in locating him,” Schrader said.
D'Andrade, a 53-year-old mother of six, was released from a hospital but has been unable to return to work, Schrader said.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call detectives at the sheriff's Carson Station at (310) 830-1123.