Man Detained After Report Of Screams From Park Bathroom In Chatsworth

CHATSWORTH (CBSLA.com) — Authorities broke into a locked public restroom at a Chatsworth park Wednesday and detained a man in connection with a possible sexual attack.

Officers arrived to Mason Park in the 10500 block of Mason Avenue about 6 p.m. after receiving reports of screams and such originating from the bathroom.

When officers arrived, they weren't able to gain entry as the door was locked and called for back-up.

Officers, though, ended up breaking the door down.

"I saw guns being drawn out and the next thing you know, cops coming in with shotguns. It was pretty dramatic," Rania Soueiss, a witness, said.

Once inside, officers located a young woman and man.

"We located the victim and the suspect inside the location," Detective Tim Torsney of the LAPD said. "We're in the process of doing an investigation to determine if it was a forcible rape or if the victim was able to give consent."

The man was detained by the LAPD and remained in custody while authorities investigate.

The woman was taken to a hospital with minor injuries to be checked out.

"This is a very safe area. I'm very surprised and it's very shocking that we see this going on, especially as you could see behind me, there's a lot of soccer practice going on here every single night," Soueiss said.

Meanwhile, authorities tell KCAL9's Juan Fernandez their investigation is in the preliminary stages.