(November 7, 2002, posted 7:30 p.m.) -- Investigators believe an attempted early morning rape today in the area of Lakewood Blvd. and Stearns St. could be related to a series of sexual assaults in LB, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos and Seattle since 1997.

The statement is contained in an LBPD written release, amplifying facts first reported earlier today as breaking news by LBReport.com.

LBPD says that at approximately 1 a.m. today, a 30 year old woman who was home alone awoke to find a male intruder in the residence...with his face covered.

A struggle ensued. The suspect fled. The victim ran to the home of neighbors who called police.

Police say a preliminary investigation indicates the suspect entered the residence through an unlocked window. No weapon was seen during the attack.

The suspect may have sustained minor injuries as a result of the struggle.

LBPD again reminds residents to secure all doors and windows and to report any suspicious activity around their homes or in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Sexual Assault Investigations Hotline at 1-866-600-1110. LBPD says you can provide an anonymous tip or provide your name and telephone number for a detective to contact you.

On August 15 near Willow and Lakewood, a 33 year old woman was attacked and assaulted in her home. Police say she fought off her attacker.

On August 13, a burglary/assault took place on a woman in her early 70's in Huntington Beach near the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station shortly before midnight. That victim also fought off her attacker.

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