Two women walking near Venice’s canals were bludgeoned from behind in separate incidents Saturday evening, leading police to urge residents in the area to be vigilant and focus on their personal safety.
Saturday at 10:30 p.m., a woman was walking in the 2700 block of Strongs Drive when someone approached her from behind and hit her with a hard object, knocking her unconscious, according to a police department report from Los Angeles.
About an hour later, the same person is believed to have attacked another woman in the same manner while she was walking near the Sherman Canal, less than a mile away.
The attacker fled, leaving behind evidence that police refused to describe.
Neighborhood residents discovered the second victim and immediately contacted the police.
According to the report, both victims suffered serious injuries.
The attacker is described as a man between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds, with short hair that appears to be cut around his ears, the report states.
The LAPD has committed to increasing patrols in the area as a precaution while its investigation continues.
Law enforcement is also asking residents to be vigilant and notify police of any suspicious activity or people in the area.
Los Angeles City Council member Tracy Park, who lives in Venice, said in a statement that she was horrified and furious to learn of the attacks.
Park said she called on the LAPD to “dedicate all necessary resources to investigating these crimes.”
“I have worked directly with Chief (Dominic) Choi and Captain (Michael) Applegate and remain focused on ensuring this criminal is apprehended, charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said. declared. “This behavior will not be tolerated and violent criminals will be held accountable. »
Police are asking anyone who is the victim of a similar assault, witnesses these incidents, or has information that could lead to the identification of the attacker to contact Special Assault Detectives at (213) 473-0447. After hours or on weekends, call (877) 527-3247.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile app and select LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
California Daily Newspapers
