Civic Center Slapper Strikes Again NR12061pv

Los Angeles.  The suspect referred to as the Civic Center Slapper has struck again.

On January 27, around 6:15 p.m., a 51-year-old US attorney was walking near Aliso and Alameda streets, adjacent to the federal building, when the suspect approached from the opposite direction and punched him in the jaw, causing the attorney’s head to hit the wall of the building.

The suspect, described as a 6-foot tall African-American male, is believed to be the same man responsible for two other attacks in the Downtown LA area.

In a series of similar assaults, police arrested Jermaine Moran on January 20th after 4 victims identified him as their assailant, but a fifth victim eliminated him, describing a more clean-shaven man.

Later a sixth victim came forward, who also described a clean shaven suspect as the man who slapped her in the face while crossing Main Street at 3rd Street, and detectives quickly realized they had a copy-cat criminal on the loose.

“We know the suspect is not Jermaine Moran because he is still in custody on four other charges related to slapping people,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives for the downtown area.  “So we know we have at least one other man doing the same thing, and it appears he’s struck again.”
 
The suspect in the attack on the attorney has a medium build.  He was wearing a white knit cap and a white sweater.  The victim noticed the suspect had a “five o’clock shadow” of a beard on his face.
 
“This could be the outstanding Civic Center Slapper from the other incidents, or an altogether different person,” Lt. Vernon warned.  “I recommend that people walk in pairs, don’t text or talk on phones as they walk, and create distance as strangers approach.”

The LAPD accepts tips on crime.  Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.