Public’s Help Needed in Finding Sexual Assault Suspect

On April 1, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., a 12-year-old girl was walking into an apartment complex on the 8500 block of Balboa Boulevard. As she neared the entrance gate in a small alcove of the complex, she was grabbed from behind by the suspect who sexually assaulted her. After the assault the suspect walked away. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, 30 to 40-years of age, 5 ft. 6 in. tall with a thin build. With the help of the victim a Department Composite Sketch Artist was able to draw a likeness of the suspect. To Help: Devonshire Area Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crime to contact Detective Rene January at (818) 832-0609. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.