Groping Suspect At Large After Sexual Battery Incidents At Silver Lake Reservoir

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police are searching for a man wanted in a series of sexual batteries around the Silver Lake Reservoir and say there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

Detectives began investigating a report regarding a 23-year-old woman who said she was groped while exercising around the reservoir on March 25, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The reservoir is surrounded by a popular network of walking trails and includes several nearby parks, including the Silver Lake Meadow.

The woman told police that she was exercising in a park at around 8:45 p.m. that day when a man approached her from behind and groped her breast. He fled the scene, police said.

Another incident occurred at around 5 p.m. Saturday. A 33-year-old woman reported that she was also assaulted while exercising in a park. The man approached her from behind and groped her breast, police said.

Over the weekend, numerous signs were posted around the reservoir warning residents about the incidents.

Police described the man as having a "large build."

In response to the incidents, the LAPD said it has increased the presence of uniformed officers and patrols around the reservoir.

Anyone with information is urged to call Northeast Division Sexual Assault Detective Supervisor Michelle Gomez at 323-561-3272 or 877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.