Police Ask Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in Sexual Battery Incidents

The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who detectives believe may be responsible for at least eight sexual battery incidents in the West Division area.

In September of 2020, the Long Beach Police Department was made aware of an incident where a male adult suspect approached a female victim from behind and sexually battered her. Since then, Sex Crimes detectives have been able to connect seven other incidents with similar circumstances. Generally, the suspect has attacked the victims between 6:00-8:30 p.m., while the victims were walking alone or with other females. All victims are female Hispanic

Below is a summary of the incidents:

• On Sep. 18, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area of Locust Avenue and Willard Street, the suspect grabbed the victim from behind and thrusted against her. The victim is a 43-year-old female.
• On Nov. 5, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area of 25th Street and Earl Avenue, the suspect grabbed victim from behind, covered her mouth and thrusted against her. The victim is a 37- year-old female.
• On Nov. 8, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area 20th Street and Pasadena Avenue, the suspect grabbed the victim from behind and thrusted against her. The victim is a 26-year-old female.
• On Nov. 18, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area of 20th Street and Pasadena Avenue, the suspect grabbed the victim from behind and thrusted against her. The suspect pushed her down after the victim attempted to defend herself. The victim is a 48-year-old female.
• On Nov. 29, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area of Hill Street and Locust Avenue, the suspect grabbed victim’s arms from behind and thrusted against her. The victim is a 27-year-old female.
• On Nov. 29, 2020, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Burnett Street, the suspect grabbed the victim’s face from behind and thrusted against her. The victim is a 31-year-old female.
• On Nov. 29, 2020, the victim was walking in the area of Pine Avenue and Burnett Street when the suspect grabbed her buttocks from behind and took her wallet. The incident was reported several days later. The victim is a 16- year-old female.
• On Dec. 30, 2020, officers were dispatched to the area of Nevada Street and Earl Avenue, the suspect grabbed the victim’s breasts and buttocks. The victim is a 22-year-old female.

The suspect is being described as a male Hispanic, 17 – 20 years-old, between 5’6-5’8, thin build, and wearing a face covering, black hoodie with white stripes, and black Vans tennis shoes in several incidents.

The Long Beach Police Department would like to remind the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling 9-1-1. Detectives would like to encourage anyone who may have also been a victim and have not reported the incident, to do so immediately by calling Police Dispatch at (562) 435-6711.

Anyone who may have information regarding the person responsible for these crimes should contact Sex Crimes Detective Gabriel Ruiz at (562) 570-7372. 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.