Police are searching for ‘violent sexual predator’ after two attacks on the Westside

Police requested the public’s help Tuesday in finding a man they say is responsible for two recent sexual assaults in a Westside neighborhood.

Both attacks took place on the same street in the Sawtelle area on July 2 and July 4, police said. The crimes were about five blocks apart.

At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, LAPD Capt. Tina Nieto called the attacker a “violent sexual predator.” Authorities also released a three-second video showing the suspect.

Police said a woman was walking home July 2 when she was grabbed from behind and dragged across the street to a “dark path.” The attacker threw her onto the ground and got on top of her. When the victim fought back, the man hit her multiple times and sexually assaulted her before running away.

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The attacker approached another woman as she was walking home on July 4, authorities said. He put his arm around her neck, pulled her down a driveway and forced her to the ground. He then sexually assaulted her and fled.

The attacks occurred in the 1400 block and 1900 block of South Westgate Avenue, police said. Authorities urged people not to walk alone in the area until the attacker is captured.

Authorities described the suspect as a black male, 25 to 30 years old with black hair and facial hair. He is between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.

Detectives think there may be witnesses who heard the women’s screams but did not call 911.

Anyone with information is asked to call Operations-West Bureau, Special Assault Section at (213) 473-0447 or 877-LAPD-24-7.

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more local and breaking news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini

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