Sketch Released In Attacks On Women At Debs Park

MONTECITO HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) — Police sought the public's help Friday to identify a sexual battery suspect.

Authorities said the man targets women walking in Debs Park, located in the 4200 block of Monterey Road in Montecito Heights.

The first incident was reported Jan. 13 when a woman said she was groped by a Hispanic man on a bike.

A similar incident happened on June 25 when the suspect approached a woman, asked to borrow her cellphone, and exposed his genitals to her, the LAPD said.

On July 20, a third victim was walking her dog in the park when she was approached by a man with a knife.

"I think he was trying to knock me out so he could have me unconscious," a woman who wanted to be identified as Rebecca told CBS2's Rachel Kim.

"The suspect grabbed the victim by the shoulder and punched her in the face. Once the victim was on the ground, the suspect stood over her for a couple of seconds then ran away," police said.

"Let's hope it doesn't happen to anybody else," Rebecca said.

He is described as a Hispanic man, 20-25 years old, about 5-foot-7 and around 150 pounds. The man is known to ride a blue or green mountain bike.

He has a light complexion with dark, short hair. The man spoke Spanish to one of the victims and did not appear to be homeless.

Anyone with information on the suspect should contact detectives at (323) 342-4110.