Police Ask for Assistance in Finding Man Accused of Attacking Transgender Woman in Westlake
Los Angeles Police Seek Suspect in Assault on Transgender Woman
Los Angeles police are actively seeking assistance from the public in locating 23-year-old Paul Alan Thomas, identified as a suspect in the brutal assault of 61-year-old Sabrina De La Pena at her Westlake store last year.
Authorities released images of Thomas in an effort to prompt tips on his whereabouts. The case, currently being investigated as a hate crime, involves multiple attacks on De La Pena by a group of men.
The first incident occurred on April 8, 2025, when a man entered De La Pena’s store and attempted to flirt with her. After she rejected his advances, the man exited the store but later returned, pushing her to the ground. Following a sexual assault, he threatened her life upon realizing she is transgender.
The situation escalated further when the assailant returned with two accomplices, who joined him in attacking De La Pena. During this incident, the victim was struck with a skateboard, pepper-sprayed, and had an unknown liquid thrown at her.
The group returned once more on May 31, 2025, inflicting serious injuries on De La Pena. "In all my life, this is the first time someone beat my face," she shared with NBC Los Angeles.
The LAPD has arrested one of the attackers, identified as Samuel Parros, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. The third suspect remains unidentified.
Anyone with information regarding Paul Alan Thomas is encouraged to contact the LAPD Rampart Division Robbery Detectives at 213-484-3495. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
