Sexual Predator on the Prowl Females Advised to Keep Their Eyes and Ears Open NR12154kr

Los Angeles:  Mission Area Detectives have issued a warning to women living in the San Fernando Valley.  A sexual predator, believed responsible for two attempt kidnappings and seven incidents of lewd acts since January 2011, is being sought by police.

This suspect’s crimes began in January 2011 and include two attempt kidnappings and indecent exposure.  During both attempt kidnappings the suspect walked up behind young women walking to their homes, grabbed their legs in an attempt to lift them off the ground.  Each victim struggled with the suspect and was able to break away.

The other victims saw the suspect exposing himself and masturbating in a car, attempting to lure them in.  He frequents the area around Arleta High School.

Attached is a composite drawing of the suspect who is a male Hispanic or Asian, short curly black hair with some gray, brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 160-200 pounds, 25 years to 40 years of age, light complexion, and may have some facial hair.  He is believed to be driving a 2000-2010 red or white Honda, Toyota, or Nissan type vehicle.  During both kidnap attempts the vehicles license plate was covered with some type of cloth.  It is possible that there is a second suspect who drives the suspect around.

Listed are the dates and locations of the crimes reported:

1/2011         5 p.m.        Beachy Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard        
8/28/2011    5:50 p.m.   Terra Bella and Beachy Avenue    
9/2011         4 p.m.        Beachy Avenue and Claretta Street    
1/22/2012    8 a.m.        Canterbury Avenue and Osborne Street    
2/24/2012    7:30 a.m.    Terra Bella Street and Beachy Avenue    
2/27/2012    7:10 a.m.    Arleta Avenue and Terra Bella Street
2/28/2012    4 p.m.         Van Nuys Boulevard and Woodman Avenue
3/14/2012    9 p.m.         14000 block of Van Nuys Boulevard
3/29/2012    4:10 p.m.    Beachy Avenue and Bromwich Street

Anyone with information about these incidents or this suspect is asked to contact Mission Area Detectives, Detective Juan Santa at 818-838-9893. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.