Police Search For Battery Suspect Wanted For Groping Women Near Two Arcadia Schools

ARCADIA (CBSLA.com) — Police sought the public's help on Thursday to locate a man suspected of groping women near two local schools in Arcadia.

Just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, a male suspect approached an adult woman in the 1400 block of South First Avenue, near Dana Middle School, according to the Arcadia Police Department.

Two hours later, a second victim was approached by a man who fit the same description in the west parking lot of Arcadia High School, located in the 100 block of Campus Drive.

During both incidents, a man came up from behind the victim as they were either approaching or walking away from their vehicle, and placed them in a "bear hug" without saying a word, officers said.

According to police, both victims explained they felt several pelvic thrusts from behind them before they were released.

The suspect ran from both locations after committing the crime, authorities said.

"The incidents appear to have been committed by the same lone suspect based on the descriptions provided by the two victims," explained Lt. Roy Nakamura.

Detectives described the suspect as a man of Asian descent who is between the ages of 16 to 20-years-old.

He stands 5-foot-7 tall, has black hair, is clean-shaven and has a chubby build. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with tan shorts.

No injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect has been urged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5150.