Detectives Seek the Public’s Help in Identifying Aggravated Assault Suspect NR21082jc

***UPDATE***

The clothing that the suspect was seen wearing was a hooded black sweatshirt with a large emblem on the front, dark jeans, and black shoes with a white stripe along the side. The suspect is also described as having muscular build.

Sherman Oaks: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Division are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in various assaults.

On March 9, 2021, around 8:20 p.m., a victim was walking her dog on the sidewalk when the suspect approached her from behind. The suspect grabbed the victim by the neck, threw her to the ground, and assaulted her by punching her and attempting to strangle her. The suspect stopped the attack when a passerby intervened. The suspect fled on foot through the alley located South of Ventura Boulevard and East of Murrieta Avenue.

The suspect is also believed to have assaulted victims in two other incidents. The first incident occurred on February 9, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the 13400 block of Moorpark Street. The second incident occurred on February 12, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. in the 13000 block of Ventura Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 25 to 35-years-old. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. The suspect has been seen wearing a hooded red Nike sweatshirt, blue jeans, and red shoes.

**A video of the incident can be viewed here **

It is recommended the community take the following precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

• Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Look around you often and avoid looking at your phone or handheld device for an extended period.
• Try to avoid walking alone at night in areas where there are few people.
• Be careful when people stop you for directions.
• Always reply from a distance, and never get too close.
• If you feel you’re being followed, walk to a well-populated area.
• Try to stay in well-lit areas. Report the crime to the police.
• Try to describe the attacker accurately.
• Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Van Nuys Detective Detective Kropfl at (818) 374-0085. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to (323) 846-6553 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.