Suspect Sought in South Bay Indecent Exposure

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA - Authorities on Thursday sought to identify a man who gave a ride to a woman in Manhattan Beach, then masturbated in front of her and sexually propositioned her.

The woman was at a bus stop in the 1100 block of Manhattan Avenue when a motorist in a four-door black sedan pulled up about 12:45 p.m. March 14, said Manhattan Beach police Detective Mike Rosenberger.

The driver asked, "What's your destination?" Rosenberger said. Though she had not requested a taxi -- and there were no markings on the vehicle -- the woman got into the car and asked the motorist to take her to Redondo Beach.

"During the drive, the male exposed himself, began to masturbate and asked the female if she would engage in sexual acts with him," he said. "Approximately 15 minutes later, the female asked the male driver to pull over and let her out."

The driver let her out in the 2200 block of Artesia Boulevard, in Redondo Beach. According to the woman, she was not touched or threatened at any time, he said.

The suspect was described as in his mid-20s, 5 feet 11 inches tall with a thin build and black hair. He was clean-shaven and was wearing a short-sleeve T-shirt and khaki shorts. The vehicle had a black leather interior.

"Not only is this information being distributed in an attempt to identify the male subject involved, but to also remind residents to be mindful of accepting rides with strangers," Rosenberger said. Manhattan Beach police detectives asked anyone with information about the suspect to call them at (310) 802-5127.

— City News Service, photo via Shutterstock