Los Angeles: On June 20, 2003 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 15 year old female was walking in the area of Hoover Avenue and Gage Avenue. A male approached her and asked for directions. When she stopped to assist him he armed himself with a handgun. The suspect directed the victim to an alley where he attempted to sexually assault her. The suspect ran away prior to completing the sexual assault.

Between February 1999 and January 22, 2003, there have been twenty similar incidents of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. These incidents have occurred in the 77^th Street, Newton, Southeast, Southwest and Wilshire Areas. It is believed the same suspect is responsible for all of these incidents.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, brown eyes, brown hair, 5' 5"- 5' 9" tall, 140/160 pounds and 30-40 years of age. The suspect has worn a dark hooded sweatshirt, a green bandana, black baseball cap or dark colored beanie to cover his head. The suspect has either one or two teardrops tattooed under his right or left eye. The suspect has also been described as having a mustache and has possibly attempted to remove his tattoo,

A press conference is scheduled for Monday June 23, 2003 at 1:00 p.m., at 77^th Area police station, 7600 South Broadway. An update of the investigation will be provided to the media. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Rubalcava or Stone of the Robbery-Homicide Rape Special Section at 213-763-5056 or a 24-hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.