Man Sought in Sex Assault of Elderly Woman in Northridge Home

Police were searching for a man who sexually assaulted a woman in her 70s during a home invasion in the Northridge area Wednesday.

The attack occurred in the 18600 block of Vintage Street around 1 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police are searching for witnesses and asking neighbors and business owners to review video from security cameras for anything suspicious.

The public is also being advised to close windows and doors at night, even during hot days, and think twice about answering their doors to strangers.

Residents are concerned about the safety of their neighborhood following the assault.

"I'm afraid," said Karina Tasci, a neighbor. "I have a 17-year-old daughter. When they ask questions, what am I supposed to tell them? How are we supposed to protect them?"

The man was described as a male of Hispanic or Middle Eastern descent with a muscular build who stood 5 feet 7 inches tall. He had black hair rolled up in a ponytail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kim Fairchild at the Special Assault Section, Robbery-Homicide Division, at 213-486-6910.

NBC4's Toni Guinyard contributed to this report.

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