News Release
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Serial Sexual Predator Arrest NR20319wc
Westwood: On December 15, 2020, Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD), Special Assault Section (SAS), in conjunction with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Police Department and investigative personnel from the LAPD's West Los Angeles Area, arrested a serial sexual predator operating in the area around UCLA and Westwood Plaza.This case involved a sexual predator who has been active since October 23rd, 2020 and committed (a reported) 23 misdemeanor sexual batteries in the West LA area. The series was initially investigated by Operations West Bureau (OWB) detectives and assumed by RHD on November 18th. In almost all of the reported crimes, the suspect approached lone females from behind, fondled their breasts or buttocks and quickly fled from the scene. The suspect typically wore a hooded sweatshirt and a surgical type mask which concealed his face.
Detectives from the UCLA Police Department were critical in
obtaining the identity of a possible suspect. Although due to the
nature of how the crime occurred and the way the suspect
concealed his face, positive identification by victims had proved
difficult. Undercover detectives from West LA's Narcotics
Enforcement Detail began to surveil the possible suspect, who was
identified as Derrick Kim, a 32-year-old Los Angeles resident.
While gathering information as to Mr. Kim's movements, they
observed him attack a 50-year-old female transient, by groping
her breasts. Mr. Kim was immediately taken into custody without
incident, and booked at the Valley Jail for 243.4(A) P.C.,
"Sexual Battery." Mr. Kim remains in custody with a bail of
$575,000.
Detectives anticipate that there are more victims who have not
yet come forward. They are encouraged to call Robbery-Homicide
Division, to report what occurred.
Anyone with information about this incident are urged to call Los
Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division detectives
at 213-486-6910. 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 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.
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