Long Beach
Police Department

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Sex Crimes detectives have arrested a suspect for multiple sexual battery incidents and believe there may be additional victims.

On Jan. 6, 2024, officers arrested Charles Larry Matthews, a 56-year-old person experiencing homelessness who had just committed a sexual battery. Through their quick response time, officers were able to immediately locate and apprehend the suspect after the sexual battery incidents.

Detectives have identified he is responsible for the following incidents:

• On Jan. 4, 2024, at approximately 12:25 p.m. - Molino Avenue and Anaheim - Sexual battery against a female adult victim
• On Jan. 6, 2024, at approximately 1:45 p.m. - Atlantic Avenue and Broadway – Sexual battery against a female teenage victim
• On Jan. 6, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. - Alamitos Avenue and Broadway – Sexual battery against a female adult victim

Charles Larry Matthews was booked for two counts of sexual battery. His bail is pending magistrate review. The case has been presented to the City Prosecutor’s Office for filing consideration.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact Sex Crimes Detective R. Jahangiri at (562) 570-7354.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org