LAPD: Convicted Rapist On The Lam After Cutting Off GPS

SAN FERNANDO (CBSLA.com) — A violent registered sex offender was on the run Tuesday after his GPS anklet was found abandoned.

Joseph Serapiglia, 43, was last seen Friday near the intersection of Sepulveda and Roscoe boulevards in Panorama City, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Serapiglia, who apparently cut off his court-ordered GPS monitor device, is a dangerous felon who has exhibited a violent nature and is a threat to public safety, police said.

He was sentenced in July 1991 to 42 years in prison for attempted murder and rape. He was released to live in San Fernando in April of this year after serving 23 years.

While looking for a sober living facility, Serapiglia stayed in a guest room at a church near Glendale for a couple of nights in October, when he was arrested for a parole violation and drug possession. He was released last Thursday from jail and allegedly cut off the GPS device the very next day.

"He is a serious enough offender for us to be very, very conscious of looking for him, and trying to track him down," LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar said.

Serapiglia is described as an Hispanic man with brown hair, brown eyes and a bushy mustache. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.

Police say anyone who sees Serapiglia is dangerous and should not be confronted.

Anyone with information should contact LAPD Detective McPartland at (951)809-1647 or Officer Sanchez at (818)669-5511.