Sexual predator on the loose in South L.A.

SOUTH LA, (CNS/FOX 11) - Los Angeles police today released a sketch of a suspect wanted for three sexual assault attempts on female victims in South Los Angeles' Wetlands Park.

Officers went door-to-door in the neighborhood, showing residents the sketch, and have increased patrols in the area while encouraging women and girls to be extra careful.

The suspect first surfaced last October. He approached a woman from behind as she was walking in the park, tackled her to the ground and got on top of her. As she struggled, he struck her numerous times, then fled, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

In February, he approached a woman as she was running in the park. He grabbed her, tried to pull her pants down and then exposed himself, but took off when another person approached, according to the LAPD.

A similar scenario involving a 17-year-old runner occurred this month. The suspect was described as Hispanic, about 25 to 26 years old, 5 feet 4 to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing between 140 to 150 pounds, with black
cropped hair and facial hair.

Anyone with information about his identity or whereabouts was asked to call Newton Division detectives at (323) 846-6576.