LAPD, sheriff's officials issue warning after recent assaults in LA and West Hollywood
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A pair of frightening assaults involving a homeless man now has Los Angeles police and L.A. County sheriff's investigators asking people to be on alert.
The first incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of North Vista Street in Los Angeles, near Melrose Avenue. Police say that a woman was pushed into a garage, but was able to get away.
LAPD said the suspect intended to sexually assault her.
About 15 to 20 minutes later, a similar incident happened in the 7600 block of Hampton Avenue in the city of West Hollywood.
A woman was pushed into her apartment. In that case, the woman screamed and the man ran off, officials said.
The first assault was captured on surveillance camera, authorities said. It shows a woman and a man walking into the driveway of a home, then disappearing from the camera's view. Moments later, the woman is seen running away, back to the street. The suspect later appears in the frame.
Detectives describe the transient as a man in his early 30s who was wearing dark clothing at the time and carrying a bag.
No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident in West Hollywood is urged to contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department at (310) 855-8850. Anyone with information on the incident in the city of Los Angeles is asked to call LAPD's West Bureau Special Assaults at (213) 473-0447.
Officials remind the community to walk in pairs, have their heads up and be aware of their surroundings.
