Long Beach police have released a composite sketch of a man who sexually assaulted a 26-year-old woman at a bus stop in Signal Hill last week.
The assault and battery happened about 4:30 p.m. May 7 in the 900 block of East Willow Street, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
- Download: Download the NBCLA News App
"This incident happened about 4:30 in the afternoon, daylight hours," Long Beach Police Spokeswoman Marlene Arrona said. "The suspect approached, had a brief conversation and without any provocation just attacked the woman, groped the woman and fled."
Bus riders said they were stunned to hear about the broad daylight attack on a busy street and busy bus route.
"I'm shocked that it happened, it shouldn't have happened," said Cynthia Nardy, who waits at the bus stop almost every afternoon.
A woman who did not want to be identified said she thought she saw a man who resembled the sketch the day after the assault occurred.
"You never know," she said. "You see people at the bus stop, and you think that's just normal, and within minutes something bad happens. I'm going to show everyone around the neighborhood (the sketch) to see if they see anyone who looks suspicious."
Other women said they planned to be more aware of their surroundings after hearing about the attack.
"You have to nowadays, That's what's sad about it," Juliette Robinson said "You have to keep your head up and be present to your surroundings, and this is a prime example of that."
The attacker is described as an African American man with a medium skin complexion, 25 to 27 years old, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and 130 to 140 pounds. He has black “fuzzy” hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue basketball shorts and black socks.
Police urged the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling 911.
Anyone who recognizes the person in the sketch or has information relating to the attack is urged to contact Long Beach Police Sex Crimes Detective Patrick Jennings at 562-570-7354.
Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 800-222-TIPS, texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
