Groping Suspect At Large After Attacks

Los Angeles police are searching for a man suspected of groping women on the Silver Lake Reservoir loop, and detectives say more victims may not have reported it yet. (lapdonline.org) The Los Angeles Police Department said two reported sexual batteries happened weeks apart: one on March 25, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m., and another on April 18, 2026, at about 5 p.m. In both cases, police said the women, ages 25 and 33, were approached from behind while exercising and groped before the suspect ran off. (cbsnews.com) Police described the suspect as a man with a large build; CBS Los Angeles reported LAPD said he may be Hispanic or Asian. Detective Supervisor Michelle Gomez is asking anyone with information or anyone who believes they were also targeted to call 323-561-3272. (cbsnews.com) The case widened after women began warning each other online and on signs posted around the reservoir. NBC Los Angeles reported at least three women had come forward publicly by April 22, including one woman who said she was attacked around 8 p.m. on April 13 in the meadow area. (nbclosangeles.com) The reports have changed how some neighbors use one of Silver Lake’s busiest outdoor routes. Residents told ABC7 they were sticking to better-lit parts of the path, avoiding solo visits to the dog park, and paying closer attention after the attacks. (abc7.com) LAPD said it has increased uniformed officer presence and added foot patrols around the reservoir. Capt. Mike Bland told NBC Los Angeles the department is using patrol officers and senior lead officers across shifts to keep a visible presence in the area. (nbclosangeles.com) The department’s public newsroom listed two related notices this week: “Silver Lake Reservoir Sexual Batteries” on April 21 and “Detectives Seeking Additional Sexual Assault Victims; Suspect Wanted” on April 22. That sequence shows police moved from reporting two cases to publicly soliciting more victims and witnesses within a day. (lapdonline.org) The suspect had not been identified publicly as of Thursday, April 23, 2026, and police were still asking for leads. For now, the reservoir remains open, but the investigation has turned a routine running loop into an active search area. (lapdonline.org)