LAPD Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section Issues Community Alert

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Los Angeles Police Department Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section released a Community Alert with a depiction of a suspect from an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Will Rogers State Beach on February 4 and is seeking the public’s assistance to help with identification.

“Detectives assigned to the Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect depicted … who is wanted in connection to an attempted sexual assault,” according to the alert, which was distributed on Monday, February 13.

“On Saturday, February 4, at approximately 6:30 p.m., an attempted rape occurred at the 15000 block of Pacific Coast Highway (south of the lifeguard headquarters along the beach),” Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin wrote following the incident on Tuesday, February 7. “Suspect approached the victim and engaged in conversation. When the victim ended the conversation and tried to walk away, the suspect grabbed the victim and made statements of intent to commit a sexual battery.”

The suspect, described as a “male, Hispanic, 5’7”,” 150 to 160 pounds between 20 and 30 years old with black hair, brandished a bladed weapon, according to Espin.

“The victim was able to create distance from the suspect, and able to get away and call the police,” Espin reported. “This is an isolated incident. Due to the ongoing investigation, information is continually being looked at and vetted. Our Beach Detail and patrol officers have been actively checking the area and looking for the possible suspect.”

Espin said he has been in contact with Operations-West Bureau Detectives, who are “actively investigating the incident.”

Anyone with information on the identity of the individual in the photo are asked to contact LAPD Special Assault Detectives at 213-473-0447. Those who see the individual are asked to call 911.

“Detectives are requesting that anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspect, additional victims and witnesses contact the Special Assault Detectives,” LAPD wrote in a news release.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org.