Purse-snatching suspect targeting Korean women in Mid-City area

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help to track down a purse-snatching suspect caught on surveillance video.

Detectives believe the same suspect is responsible for committing at least four violent robberies against Korean women in the Mid-City area since November.

During each assault, detectives say he follows a lone woman into the elevator, attacks her and takes off with her purse.

The first incident occurred on Nov. 9 in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue at about 4:25 a.m.

The second incident occurred on Nov. 23 in the 500 block of Hobart Boulevard around 12:30 a.m.

The suspect struck again on Dec. 23 in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue at about 2 a.m. This time, the suspect followed the female inside the elevator, sexually battered her, punched her and then took her purse.

The last reported incident occurred in the 400 block of Westmoreland Avenue around 10:50 p.m.

Police say the suspect followed the female inside the elevator, pressed a sharp object against her neck and attempted to take her purse. The victim held on to her bag, and the suspect slammed her to the ground, punched and kicked her multiple times.

Los Angeles Police Department officials says the surveillance video is hard to watch.

"To see something happen like that, of that nature, is very disturbing even to a cop," said LAPD officer Jack Richter.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man between 20 and 30 years old, standing about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 130 to 170 pounds. He is often seen wearing sweatshirts and shorts.

Anyone with information about the robberies or who recognizes the suspect is urged to call LAPD Olympic Division Robbery Detectives at (213) 382-9460. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous was urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS.