Man Sexually Assaults Woman In Grocery Store, Punches Elderly Woman

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police in Los Angeles are asking for help identifying a man who sexually assaulted a woman inside a supermarket and then punched and elderly woman.

The attack happened on the morning of Aug. 25 at a Ralphs store in 2600 South Vermont Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Shortly after 11 a.m., the man began following a 32-year-old woman throughout the store, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"The suspect appeared to follow the victim throughout the store, walked up behind her, and inappropriately grabbed her from behind," the LAPD announced in a written statement. The suspect then exited the store, punched an elderly lady in the chest, and left the location in an acquaintance’s vehicle."

The vehicle was a 2-door white sedan, with a black hood, and spoiler on the trunk. The suspect is described as being about 30-years-old with black hair, standing about 5 feet 11 inches tall, and weighing 230 pounds. He was wearing thick glasses, and burgundy windbreaker with a “Wake & Bake” logo on the back at the time of the attack.

“The residents of Los Angeles, our friends and family members, should be free from this behavior,” said Detective Robert Smey, a Southwest Division Sexual Assault Investigator, “I encourage anyone with information about the suspect’s identification to come forward.”

Police released footage of the suspect in hope that someone will recognize him and come forward.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division Sexual Assault detectives at at 323-290-2976.