The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating two incidents that occurred in the Sherman Oaks area last week, where two women were allegedly assaulted by the same man.
According to reports from KTLA 5, a spokesperson for the LAPD confirmed that both victims were attacked by a thug in the same area on Ventura Boulevard.
The first incident took place around 9 a.m. on April 18th. The victim, after getting out of her car in a parking lot, was pushed to the ground by a man.
“He hit me from behind and I rolled several times,” the woman said. She then called the police.
The second incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on the same day near Beverly Glen Boulevard close to Ventura Boulevard. Surveillance footage in the area captured a man in black randomly attacking a woman, who managed to escape and take some photos of the assailant.
The second victim stated that she was rushing at the time, “When I slightly turned to the right to avoid him (the attacker), he hit me.”
Witnesses from a nearby restaurant rushed out to chase after the man but were unable to apprehend him. Both victims believe that the same man attacked them.
Authorities mentioned that the attacker seemed to be passing through the area but did not disclose further details about the man.
Business owners in the area are increasingly concerned. Art Habibi, the owner of the sushi restaurant Dojo Sushi, expressed his frustration with the rising criminal activities near his establishment. “To me, (the criminals) are like zombies from another planet wandering our streets. You have to be careful when walking, not constantly staring at your phone,” he said.
Both women described the suspect as approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a hoodie, and sporting a long grey beard. They are hopeful that someone will recognize the attacker and assist the police in his arrest.
These incidents have raised alarms in the community, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.