Woman Attacked While Walking In Griffith Park

GRIFFITH PARK (CBSLA.com) — Police Wednesday were searching for a man who attacked a woman in Griffith Park.

The incident took place at 5:20 a.m. at Los Feliz Boulevard and Fern Dell Drive.

The victim, who was said to be on her daily walk, was violently attacked and transported to a local hospital, according to police.

"Obviously, it's awful," hiker Shauna Sanders said. "I've always felt safe here. I think it's terrible that anybody would choose to attack anyone, let alone when they're hiking in such a beautiful place."

The severity of the victim's injuries was not immediately known, but she was able to ask someone to call 911 for her, according to CBS2's Randy Paige.

The suspect was described as a man in his 20s who was riding a bicycle and wearing a gray sweatsuit.

Police would not comment on whether it was a sexual assault, only saying the suspect stole the victim's backpack.

Wednesday's assault was the second incident to be reported within Griffith Park this month.

On the morning of May 14, a man tried to sexually assault a hiker on a trail, but she was able to get away, police said.

That suspect was described as Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, in his 30s, with a light complexion, brown hair and a mustache.

It was unclear if the two incidents were connected.

The LAPD advised park visitors to tape precautions.

"When you come to the park, please do not come by yourself. Cell service is always an issue, so we always ask that you please bring someone with you to the park," Det. Michelle Gomez said.

Anyone with more information about either incident was urged to contact detectives from the LAPD's Northeast Station at (323) 344-5731 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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