Authorities say on Feb. 12, the victim drove to the CVS store, but when she saw that the parking lot was full, she parked on the street on the northeast corner of Titus Street and Van Nuys Boulevard. As she walked to the store, she observed that her car was parked in a dark and secluded area, so she went back to move it.
As she returned to her car, someone pulled her hair from behind and placed a cloth over her face, police said. The victim fought back, screaming and kicking, as the suspect ripped at her clothing.
The suspect eventually fled the scene, and the woman went home and did not tell anyone what happened for several days.
"The feeling of shame is common for victims, but as a police officer, I would tell her to be proud of defending herself," said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon in a statement.
Police are searching the area for possible surveillance images of the suspect, who is described as a Hispanic man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, thin, between the ages of 30 to 35 and speaks Spanish and English.
Anyone with information is urged to call LAPD Detective Marc Madero at (818) 838-9969, or (877) LAPD-24-7.
