(August 16, 2002) -- LB police believe the suspected ELB/Belmont Shore rapist has struck again...this time in ELB the area of Willow St. and Lakewood Blvd.

On August 15 at approximately 2:15 a.m. near Willow and Lakewood, a 33 year old woman was attacked and assaulted in her home...but police say she fought off her attacker, described as a man, 5'9", average build and wearing a cover concealing his face.

And the woman managed to inflict injuries to the suspect's face and body.

LB police say the crime is believed linked to the Belmont Shore series of sexual assaults and their preliminary investigation reveals "that the suspect entered into the residence through an open and unlocked window."

In a written release, LBPD says:

"We are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect. Because of the injuries that the victim inflicted on the suspect, he may have changed his normal routine or schedule [on August 15]. The suspect may not have reported for work...or may have missed a scheduled appointment. The suspect is believed to have scratches or bruises on his body or facial area. If questioned about these injuries the suspect may attempt to justify his injuries or avoid the topic altogether. He may also be wearing excessive clothing in an attempt to conceal his injuries."

Police ask anyone with information which may assist in their investigation to call LBPD's Sexual Assault Unit Hotline at: 866-600-1110...or the Sexual Assault Unit at (562) 570-7358.

LBPD has also confirmed that they are investigating the possibility that the August 15 LB attack may be linked to an August 13 Huntington Beach burglary/assault (previously reported by LBReport.com) on a woman in her early 70's near the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, shortly before midnight. That victim also fought off her attacker whom she described as having a dark complexion.

On June 26, the same rapist is believed to have struck in Belmont Heights in the area of Broadway near Ximeno, assaulting a 61 year old woman in her bed at 2:30 a.m.

LBPD says it has physical evidence linking the serial rapist to eight rapes in LB, plus one in Huntington Beach and one in Los Alamitos.