LAPD Detectives Urge Victims to Come Forward to Report a Sexual Battery Suspect NR11172cj

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Area detectives are asking for anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and identify a sexual battery suspect in San Pedro.

LAPD Harbor Area detectives want residents of San Pedro to be aware of a suspect who has been committing sexual battery crimes against women. The crimes have occurred in the northern residential portion of San Pedro near Santa Cruz Street and Pacific Avenue. The suspect appears to be committing his crimes during the late hours of the night when he approaches unsuspecting women who are alone and grabs their buttocks and breasts. The suspect then runs away. He is described as a 20- to 30-year-old male Hispanic. He stands between 5 feet 5 and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs between 150 and 170 pounds.

To maximize personal safety and prevent crimes, police offer the following tips:

Be aware of your surroundings while walking
Don’t be distracted by your cell phone
Have your keys and personal items ready before entering/exiting your vehicle
Check the area before entering/exiting your vehicle & residence
Report crimes to the police

Any women in the San Pedro area who may have been a victim of this crime are urged to contact Harbor Detective L. Paglialonga at 310-726-7900 or 310-726-7880. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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.