LBReport.com first learned that something had occurred (no details) via a reader's email on Saturday evening, June 20 shortly before midnight indicating that "word on the street" was that something had happened. [We later learned that word had spread by week's end, but again, no details.]

We emailed LBPD's Public Information Officer, Sgt. Dina Zapalski asking about this on Sunday (June 21) [and we believe at least one other media outlet was also pursuing the story]. Sgt. Zapalski promised to follow-up first thing Monday morning (June 22)...and she did.

Before noon Monday, LBPD had released an artist's sketch of the suspect with an accompanying release, which LBReport.com promptly reported (details reiterated below).

We asked Sgt. Zapalski about the one-week time period between the sexual assault and LBPD's release of information about it:

Sgt. Zapalski: It takes time for the officers to gather all the information, to be sure that it's accurate and complete. For investigative reasons, they wanted to be sure that they had all the information they needed.

In order to follow-up and be sure that it's accurate, they had to follow-up with all the evidence that they had. In the meantime they thought that they possibly could find the suspect themselves, but at this time, we do need the public's help.

We also have a juvenile victim, so there's extra sensitivity in handling the case as well. The way sexual assault cases are handled is consistent with our Department policy. It takes time.

We are not "CSI Long Beach." We're not TV. Reality is that it doesn't take an hour to be putting out a sketch of a suspect. It takes time.

And when you think about a victim who's been traumatized, it make take a little while to get the information out, and to talk to her again, and get more information, and collect evidence, and follow-up if there are witnesses. There's a multitude of reasons that [the term] investigative reasons means.

LBReport.com: Is it fair to say you wouldn't normally go to the public for help if you could get it on your own?

Sgt. Zapalski: Of course. If we know where a suspect is, we're not going to let the public know about it because then it'll alert the suspect and the suspect will go into hiding and we won't be able to find him.

LBReport.com: So this isn't your preferred way to go about it?

Sgt. Zapalski: If we feel there's a danger to the public, obviously we're going to immediately release the information to notify the public so they'll know what's going on. At this time, investigators felt that they needed to continue their investigation, to make sure the information that they have is accurate, and follow-up on accurate information, and after following-up on it, they found they needed the public's help.

LBReport.com: Is a week's time normal?

Sgt. Zapalski: It depends on the case. I wouldn't even set a week as standard for any case. It would just depend on the case, on what you had, where it happened, how it happened, the evidence you have.

LBReport.com: Well let me ask it directly. What about those who say it's because it was near 2nd St in Belmont Shore that they sat on it for a week.

Sgt. Zapalski: I wouldn't say that was any reason why they would sit on it, no.

LBReport.com: You can say conclusively that the location didn't have anything to do with it?

Sgt. Zapalski: The location had nothing to do with how long it took. Not that it was even long. A week is not that long, for them to have the sketch and all information ready to get the public's help, I think that's pretty good time for the investigators to get everything together.

As reported earlier today (June 22) on LBReport.com:

LBPD image

[LBPD release text] The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, in his late 20’s, 5’7, 190 lbs, short dark hair (one inch in length), round face, bushy eyebrows, moustache, and dark skin. He was last seen wearing a green and blue plaid button down shirt, a light blue or white undershirt, dark denim jeans, and brown/ white Vans style skater shoes. He is also described as a cigarette smoker.

The female victim was walking home and was met by the suspect near 2nd Street and Livingston Drive. The suspect coerced the victim into an alley and eventually led her into an alcove off of the alleyway. Shortly thereafter the suspect physically and sexually assaulted her. The suspect was last seen walking westbound Shaw Street from Quincy Avenue.

If anyone has information about this suspect, or has information regarding this incident, please contact the Crime Tip Line at (562) 570-7878. To view the sketch of the suspect go to www.longbeach.gov/police.

Further as we learn it on LBReport.com.