The Long Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a male suspect wanted in connection with several incidents of sexual battery to female victims that have occurred in recent weeks.
A recent groping suspect has been described as a male Hispanic, 25 to 35 years old, 5’6″ to 5’8″ tall, 160 to 180 pounds, with a stocky build, black/brown 2-inch length hair, brown eyes and clean-shaven face.
On Friday, June 5, at approximately 1:30am, a fifth female was walking home in the area of Florida Street and Hermosa Avenue when she was approached from behind and also groped on the buttocks by a male on foot.
After each incident, the suspect immediately walked away or ran off in a different direction.
Based on the physical description provided by the victims, the manner in which the crimes were carried out, the location where the incidents occurred and the age of the victims (all in their 20s), investigators believe one individual may be responsible for committing the assaults.
The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 25 to 35 years old, 5’6″ to 5’8″ tall, 160 to 180 pounds, with a stocky build, black/brown 2-inch length hair, brown eyes and clean-shaven face.
Those who have any information regarding the incidents or recognize the individual depicted in the sketch are urged to contact Long Beach Police Sex Crimes Detective Luis Galvan at (562) 570-7368 or (562) 570-6711. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus the tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting lacrimestoppers.org .
Personal safety tips from the LBPD
• Keep your cell phone in an easily accessible location
• Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1
• Be aware of locations and situations that could make you vulnerable, such as alleys, dark parking lots and dim walkways
• Paying too much attention to an electronic device (cell phone, iPod, etc.) can make you a target
• Wearing earbuds prevents you from hearing what is happening around you
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend
• Stay in well-lighted areas whenever possible
• Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide
• Walk confidently and at a steady pace, and make eye contact with people
• Keep your keys in your hand when walking to your vehicle
• If you feel you are being followed, get to a public place as quickly as possible or get other people’s attention
Source: LBPD
