Sex Offender Attacked Woman In Culver City Alleyway: Police

CULVER CITY, CA — Authorities are seeking additional potential victims of a registered sex offender suspected of sexually assaulting a woman in an alley on Sunday.

Giovanni Leon, of Los Angeles, was arrested Tuesday following the attack, which occurred at around 12:30 p.m. on the 13310 block of Washington Boulevard, which is located near Costco, according to the Culver City Police Department.

The woman told police that she was walking in the alley behind Washington Boulevard when a man grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist and proceeded to lift her from the ground as she screamed and kicked until she broke free, police said.

The man kissed the woman before fleeing the scene. The woman did not suffer any physical injuries during the incident, police said.

"Detectives from the Culver City Police Department launched an investigation and quickly identified the suspect, a registered sex offender, believed to be involved in the incident. Police immediately began an intensive search for the suspect," the CCPD said.

An officer located Leon, who was wearing clothing matching the description provided by the victim, near Washington Boulevard and Louise Avenue about five hours later, police said.

Leon was booked at the Culver City Jail on suspicion of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, according to police.

"While there are no additional reports of crimes of this nature in the Culver City area, we are working with other local law enforcement agencies to identify any additional potential victims," police said.

Anyone with information about this case or any similar cases is asked to contact Detective Christopher Aguilar at 310-253-6318 or christopher.aguilar@culvercity.org.