'Hot Prowl' Burglar/Sexual Predator Strikes For 4th Time In A Week: LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA — A "hot prowl" burglar who sexually assaulted at least one woman during a string of break-ins over the weekend struck a fourth time this week. Police have issued a description of the suspect and a warning to residents in the area where he struck, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The burglar struck several homes around East Hollywood, Silver Lake and Los Feliz in the early morning Saturday. During one burglary, the suspect sexually assaulted a woman inside her home, according to the LAPD.

The suspect broke in to a fourth home in the area on Tuesday night, according to police.

Police said the "hot prowl" burglaries — home invasions that take place while the occupants are inside — occurred in the following locations:

• The 1100 block of Sanborn Avenue, just north of Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake's Sunset Junction
• The 4600 block of Prospect Avenue in Los Feliz, just west of Hillhurst Avenue.
• The 1100 block of New Hampshire Avenue in East Hollywood, just west of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard
• The 1200 block of Manzanita Street, near Effie Street, just north of Sunset Junction

Citing law enforcement sources, NBC 4 reported that during the fourth burglary — on Tuesday on Manzanita Street — the suspect sexually assaulted another woman. But the LAPD's latest release said only one woman was sexually assaulted, on Saturday, which was confirmed by an LAPD public information officer.

The suspect entered through first- and second-floor windows and doors and in one incident, slipped through metal security bars attached to the exterior of a home, NBC 4 reported.

The suspect is described as a 20-to-35-year-old man who is 5-foot-10 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark athletic pants, black athletic shoes with a white logo, a dark sweatshirt or windbreaker and a dark hat.

"Residents are encouraged to turn on all exterior lighting, lock all windows and doors, and be aware of any suspicious persons or vehicles," the LAPD said in a release. "Remember, 'If you see something, say something,' and report all suspicious activity by calling 911."

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Detective Bridges at 323-561-3465, or 877-527-3247 during weekends and non-business hours.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477