Police Alert Sylmar Residents

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives have distributed a composite of a man who has grabbed women’s buttocks and breasts in four incidents since October 11, 2006. All four of the incidents have occurred in the Sylmar area, centered near Hubbard Street and Fenton Avenue.

NOTE. Prior media reports attributing these incidents to Mission College are erroneous. None of the incidents occurred on the campus, and none of the victims have been college students.

"By putting this information out, we hope the local population will be more aware," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "Thankfully no one has been physically injured, but this man’s actions are a serious crime. We want to identify him before his actions might escalate."

The last incident occurred November 10, 2006. Each time the suspect has targeted teen-aged girls between 15 and 19 years old who were walking alone.

Victims helped a sketch artist render a likeness of a Hispanic man, between 25 and 35 years old. He is between 5-feet-7 inches and 5-feet-10-inches tall. His hair is short and cut in a fade on the sides. He may be driving a gray Hyundai.

Detectives provided the following safety tips:

Walk with a partner
Know your surroundings
If accosted, make noise and attract attention to your situation
When walking to your car, have keys in hand
Car keys and pepper spray are two good defensive strategies

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission Area detectives at 818-838-9810. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).