Groping Suspect Still At Large Near Reservoir

Los Angeles police are searching for a man suspected of groping women on the Silver Lake Reservoir loop, and officers say more victims may not have reported it yet. (cbsnews.com) The Los Angeles Police Department said a 25-year-old woman reported that a man approached her from behind around 8:45 p.m. on March 25 and groped her breast area while she was exercising near the reservoir. A 33-year-old woman reported a similar attack around 5 p.m. on April 18 while exercising at Silver Lake Meadows park. (ktla.com) NBC Los Angeles reported a third woman, identified only as Sabrina, said she was attacked around 8 p.m. on April 13 as she cut through the meadow. She said the man ran up behind her, grabbed and groped her, then fled. (nbclosangeles.com) Police described the suspect as a Hispanic or Asian man with a large build. In each reported case, investigators said he approached from behind, groped the woman’s breast area, and ran off in an unknown direction. (ktla.com) The attacks have put new attention on one of Silver Lake’s busiest public spaces, a reservoir loop used for walking and running and the adjacent meadow park across from 2300 Silver Lake Boulevard. The broader Silver Lake Reservoir Complex is the subject of a city master plan for a 116-acre park. (alltrails.com, silverlakereservoirs.org, engineering.lacity.gov) LAPD said Northeast Division has increased uniformed patrols and added foot patrols around the reservoir in response. Capt. Mike Bland told NBC Los Angeles the department is using patrol officers and senior lead officers to keep a visible presence there through different shifts. (cbsnews.com, nbclosangeles.com) Detectives are asking anyone who believes they were targeted in a similar incident to file a police report. LAPD said information can be given to Northeast Area Sexual Assault Detective Supervisor Michelle Gomez at 323-561-3272, and anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. (cbsnews.com, nbclosangeles.com)