Santa Monica police on Sunday released the sketch of a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman as she walked along the beach on Christmas Day.
Shortly before 6 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2012, a man ran toward the victim and grabbed her in a bear hug, police said. He then pushed her to the ground and forced her legs apart. It happened in the 2700 block of the beach, about 2 miles south of the Santa Monica Pier.
The woman fought back against her attacker, who ran away, authorities said.
"She tried to pursue him for about a block, screaming for help, and then he got away," said Sgt. Richard Lewis with Santa Monica police.
Investigators believe at least two cyclists may have seen the man as he fled the beach.
Santa Monica police released these details about the man, who was wearing a black collared short, dark jacket and dark jeans at the time of the attack:
- Latino;
- Between 25-30 years old;
- 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall;
- Medium build and physically fit;
- Thick, wavy black hair;
- Dark eyes with thick black eyebrows.
Police do not believe he’s homeless.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Thompson at 310-458-8946, Sgt. Jacob at 310-458-8460, or the 24-hour Watch Commander line at 310-458-8427.
