Police have found that a man with a similar motive and description is approaching young girls in an attempt to sexually assault them after enticing them into apartment buildings. The most recent attempt was partially caught on a security video (embedded below).
Earlier this month around 7 a.m., a 10-year-old girl walking near 3rd and Hoover Streets was approached by the suspect who drew her into an apartment building where he took her to the roof. However, something spooked him and he ran out of the building.
Detectives have connected the incident to two similar events last year. One morning in April of 2008 around 7:30 in the morning, he attempted to sexually assault an 8-year-old girl. Surveillance video also captured him entering the building. Another early morning in February 2008, he attempted to sexually assault a 9-year-old girl.
The suspect is described as a 25- to 35-year-old male Hispanic with black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 150 and 170 pounds. Parents are reminded to discuss safety issues with their children, especially in reference to not talking with people they don’t know. Parents are also encouraged to accompany their children to school or arrange for children to walk and stay in groups.
Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect or witnesses to the crime. Anyone with information should contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Assaults Section at (213) 485-2921. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and begin the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website: www.lapdonline.org. All tips may remain anonymous.
