The Los Angeles City Council on Friday offered a $50,000 reward in an effort to find the man who assaulted and robbed at least four women of Korean descent as they entered elevators in Koreatown apartment buildings.
The first two crimes occurred about 4:25 a.m. Nov. 9 in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue and about 12:30 a.m. Nov. 23 in the 500 block of Hobart Boulevard, police said. In both cases, the suspect followed the victim into an elevator, then punched her and stole her purse.
About 2 a.m. Dec. 23, the man punched and sexually battered a woman in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue, then took her purse, authorities said.
The most recent attack occurred about 10:50 p.m. Dec. 30 in the 400 block of Westmoreland Avenue. Investigators said the man pressed a sharp object to the victim’s neck and tried to take her purse. When she held onto the handbag, he slammed her to the ground and kicked her numerous times before taking the purse.
The criminal is described as Hispanic, in his 20s, 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing between 130 and 170 pounds, officials said. He favors sweatshirts and shorts.
Police released surveillance video earlier this month showing one attack in an effort to identifying the suspect.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to call Detective Sean S. Kim at (213) 382-9493, or LAPD robbery detectives at (213) 382-9460. On weekends or evenings, tipsters may call (877) 527-3247.
— City News Service