An investigation is underway into a serial rapist who police say assaulted at least three women and assaulted many others in the Little Tokyo area of ​​Los Angeles.

Kenneth Alan Woolfolk, 37, was arrested after a victim came forward Oct. 3 saying she was raped in a tent near the intersection of 1st Street and Judge John Asio.

“Detectives were carrying out a further investigation. When they observed a suspect, a person matching the description of the suspect, that suspect was taken into custody and positively identified as the suspect in that rape,” said Officer Jader Chaves of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Two other women also reported to Woofolk, giving the same description of the suspect.

Woolfolk is believed to be experiencing homelessness, as a homeless crisis response worker told NBCLA sister station Telemundo 52 that Woolfolk lives on the streets with his mother.

“Based on the evidence we have gathered, this suspect is believed to be exploiting vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness,” Chaves said.

Woolfolk was sent to prison on October 18, but was released four days later. According to the sheriff’s website, the prosecutor did not charge him. The DA’s office says the case is under investigation.

Police suspect Woolfolk may have attacked other women and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Sexual violence against people living on the streets is not uncommon.

“Of course, when you’re outside and just exposed,” said Veronica Lewis, director of HOPICS, a homeless services organization. “There is a significantly high rate of violence, and women are disproportionately part of it.”

A 2022 LA County Women’s Needs Assessment found that 20 percent of women surveyed said they were forced or pressured into unwanted sexual activity while homeless.

Lewis said women resort to various tactics to stay safe, including wearing multiple layers or baggy clothes, carrying knives or even using stimulants and drugs to keep them up at night.

“You’re even more at risk when the lights go out,” Lewis explained.