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

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

This suspect’s crimes began in January 2011 and include sexual assault, attempt kidnap, and indecent exposure.  On one occasion the suspect walked up behind a young woman walking to her home and grabbed both of her legs in an attempt to lift her off the ground.  The victim struggled with the suspect and was able to break away.  Most of the victims were walking when the suspect came up behind them and groped them.  There have been others who have seen the suspect in the area around Arleta High School masturbating in his car while trying to attract and lure teenage girls to hm.

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 with the license plate 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.