Surveillance photos released of Sherman Oaks sexual battery suspect
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif . (KABC) -- Los Angeles police have released surveillance photos of a sexual battery suspect who has allegedly attacked women at least five different times in the Sherman Oaks area.
Officials held a community meeting on Thursday night to help get the word out.
The suspect has targeted women walking their dogs in the area bordered by Hatteras Street on the north, Morrison Street on the south, Halbrent Avenue on the west and Cedros Avenue on the east.
Captain Ivan Minsal of the LAPD Van Nuys station says the suspect makes eye contact with the women before making his move.
"When they're distracted for a moment, he kind of runs up to them, he pulls down their pants or lifts their skirt or dress." Minsal said.
Many of the attacks have occurred in the early morning. Four occurred between June 7 and 11.
In each instance, the suspect has run away without escalating the attack, according to police.
Sherman Oaks resident Mike Feinstein said he's concerned.
"Its shaken these women up, now they're afraid to go out walking," Feinstein said.
"It definitely makes me think what could it lead to, that's whats concerning," resident Nathahna Cavanes said.
Francis Deutch, who lives in the area, is confident that the suspect will be caught.
"It is going to happen! We're going to get him," Francis said.
The suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male, about 20 to 25 years old, with dark hair, brown eyes, between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, and 145 to 160 pounds.
Police say he may be driving a late 1990s model four-door gray Toyota Camry or Ford Taurus.
Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to contact LAPD Van Nuys Detectives at (818) 374-0040 or call (877) LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous was urged to call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
