Police were asking for help from the public in identifying a man sought in assaults on at least three woman in Ernest Debs Park in Montecito Heights.
The first assault was reported on January 13 when a woman walking alone in the park was groped by a male Hispanic who was riding a bicycle, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
A similar incident occurred on June 25, when another woman described being approached by a male Hispanic on a green bicycle. The man asked to borrow her cell phone and then exposed his genitals, the release stated.
The third and most violent encounter came on July 20, when a woman walking her dog was confronted by a male Hispanic armed with a knife. The suspect grabbed the victim by the shoulder and punched her in the face, police said.
She fell to the ground and the man stood over her for several seconds before running away, the victim told police.
In all cases, the man was described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 25 years old, standing 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 140 to 160 pounds.
He spoke Spanish to one of the victims and did not appear to be homeless, the release stated.
Anyone with information was urged to contact Hollenbeck Division detectives at 323-342-4110.
