Man attacks, sexually assaults 2 women in West Los Angeles, LAPD says

WEST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man is being sought after he attacked and sexually assaulted two women in the west side area of West Los Angeles near Santa Monica over the holiday weekend, according to Los Angeles police.

Detectives said the man first attacked a woman walking home in the 1400 block of South Westgate Avenue early Saturday morning.

The suspect grabbed the woman from behind and dragged her across the street to a dark path, according to authorities.

Police said the man threw the victim on the ground, got on top of her, struck her several times and violently sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

The man attacked a second woman as she was walking home in the 1900 block of Westgate Avenue at 4:15 p.m., in broad daylight, on Monday, detectives stated.

According to police, he put his arm around the woman's neck,pulled her down a driveway and forced her to the ground.

The man then sexually assaulted the victim and ran away, police said.

Both women, who were in their 20s, were taken to the hospital, treated and later released. The two attacks happened about half a mile from each other.

Officials described the suspect as a black man, approximately 25 to 30 years old with black hair and facial hair.

The man is between 6 feet and 6-feet-2-inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds, police said.

Detectives believed there may be additional victims or witnesses who may have information and urged them to come forward.

While the suspect remained at large, authorities urged people in the area to be vigilant, to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid walking alone and in dark places.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department's Operations-West Bureau, Special Assault Section at (213) 473-0447.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.