Lone Women Targeted In SGV, Suspect Sketch Released

Monterey Park police have now released a sketch of the suspect they believe is linked to more than a dozen crimes targeting lone women followed home late at night and robbed of valuables, reports KTLA. Officials are cautioning area residents about incidents reported in Alhambra, San Gabriel, South Pasadena, and Monterey Park in recent weeks.

In many cases, victims reported the robber or robbers as a Latino man between 5 feet 7 and 6 feet tall, of thin build, wearing all-dark clothing and sometimes covering their faces with bandanas. A dark colored SUV has also been spotted in connection with many of the crimes.

While investigators note similarities between the crimes it is not yet confirmed that all were committed by the same robber or robbers. In all cases victims were female, reported being followed home late at night or in the the early-morning hours, and reported being robbed of purses and money. Some victims reported seeing a gun and "in at least one case, the gun was fired," said Monterey Park Police Department Lt. Tina Montoya, notes KTLA.

Area residents are encouraged to notify the authorities of suspicious activity.