May 8, Hill Middle School, 7 p.m.
(May 6, 2002) -- Following a string of ELB sexual assaults and cat burglaries (several reported on LBReport.com, LBPD will hold a "Community Awareness Forum" on Wednesday, May 8 at Hill Middle School (1100 Iroquois Ave.) at 7 p.m.
LBPD says "Sex Crimes Detectives, East Division Community Policing Officers and crime prevention officers will provide an overview of the recent incidents and information on home and personal security."
As previously reported by LBReport.com, on April 21 between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., two ELB burglaries involving sexual assaults occurred in the area of Stearns Ave. and Bellflower Blvd.
In one crime, a man entered a 74 year old woman's home through an unlocked window. The woman awoke in her bed when the suspect covered her face and struggled with the suspect who had covered his face. The suspect fled.
The second crime took place just minutes later in the same area. The suspect entered a 58 year old victim's home through an unlocked sliding glass door, attacked the vicitm as she slept in her bed, covered her face and sexually assaulted her.
Police say the victim fought the suspect for several minutes before he fled out the sliding door. Neither victim could give a detailed description because he either covered his face or theirs.
LBPD said its Investigations Bureau and East Patrol Division "are working closely together, and utilizing all resources, in an effort to develop information on these incidents. The Police Department is once again reminding all residents to lock their doors and windows, and to report any suspicious persons or activity in their neighborhoods.
A few days earlier, LBPD said a 54 year old woman was sexually assaulted in her ELB home on April 6 at roughly 2 a.m., leaving her so traumatized she had been unable to report the crime earlier.
LBPD believes the attacker entered the home in the area of 7th St. and Studebaker Road through an unlocked door and attacked the woman asleep in her bed.
Police describe the suspect as a white male, 25-35 years old, 5'9" - 5'11" with a slender build.
LBPD again urged "everyone to report any suspicious persons or activity to the police immediately."
