Bicycle-riding sex assault suspect sought in Long Beach
Police knocked on doors in a Long Beach neighborhood Friday seeking information on a suspect accused of sexually assaulting women while riding past them on a bicycle.
Officers canvassed an area near 5th Street and Alamitos Avenue, handing out fliers and asking the public’s help in finding the male cyclist who is suspected in at least 35 assaults over the past year.
In all of the cases, the suspect has ridden up behind women and girls walking on the sidewalk and grabbed their breasts or buttocks as he passed by. The victims range in age from 12 to their mid-60s, Long Beach police said.
The suspect has been described as a white or Latino male, between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall, and from 180 to 240 pounds. Victims have described a man 25 to 50 years old, but the majority pinpoint his age as between 35 to 45.
Because of varying descriptions of the bicycle, detectives said they believe he may have access to more than one model.
The first incident was reported in September 2012, near 7th Street and Cedar Avenue and the latest on Aug. 26 near 7th and Redondo Avenue.
Video footage from two separate incidents in December 2012 and April 2013 depicts a man on a bicycle who authorities believe to be the suspect. Many of the victims contacted police after hearing news of the assaults.
Anyone who believes they are a victim or has information is asked to contact police at (562) 570-6407.
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carla.rivera@latimes.com
Twitter: @CarlaRiveraLat
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