Long Beach
Police Department

Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
6/8/2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 2015
Subject:
POLICE ASK FOR PUBLIC'S HELP IN IDENTIFYING GROPING SUSPECT
COMPOSITE SKETCH AVAILABLE
Contact:
Media Relations Detail
(562) 570-5273






6-8-15 - Sexual Battery Susp Composite

The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a male suspect wanted in connection with several incidents of sexual battery to female victims that have occurred over the past week, and is reminding the community to be alert to their surroundings.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 and 11:00 p.m., four women in three separate incidents were groped on the buttocks while walking down the street, by a male subject on foot, in the general area of Redondo Avenue between Ocean Boulevard and 1st Street. 

 
On Friday, June 5, 2015, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a fifth female was walking home in the area of Florida Street and Hermosa Avenue when she was approached from behind and also groped on the buttocks by a male on foot.
 
After each incident, the suspect immediately walked away or ran off in a different direction.
 
Based on the physical description provided by the victims, the manner in which the crimes were carried out, the location where the incidents occurred, and the age of the victims (all in their 20’s), investigators believe one individual may be responsible for committing these assaults.
 
The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 25-35 years-old, 5’6” to 5’8” tall, 160-180 lbs., with a stocky/chunky build, black/brown 2” length hair, brown eyes, and clean-shaven. 
 
Anyone who has any information regarding these incidents, or recognizes the individual depicted in the sketch is urged to contact Long Beach Police Sex Crimes Detective Luis Galvan at (562) 570-7368 or (562) 570-6711. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting LACrimeStoppers.org  
 

Below are personal safety tips we encourage residents to practice at all times:

• Keep your cell phone in an easily accessible location
• Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1
• Be aware of locations and situations which could make you vulnerable, such as alleys, dark parking lots and dim walkways
• Paying too much attention to an electronic device (cell phone, i-Pod, etc.) can make you a target
• Wearing earbuds prevents you from hearing what is happening around you
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend
• Stay in well-lighted areas whenever possible
• Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• Walk confidently and at a steady pace, and make eye contact with people
• Keep your keys in your hand when walking to your vehicle
• If you feel you are being followed, get to a public place as quickly as possible or get other people’s attention