Crime & Safety
2 Women Rendered Unconscious in Venice Attacks
In two separate attacks, women were knocked unconscious with a hard object by man, who targeted them as they walked along the canals.
VENICE, CA — Two women were knocked unconscious in separate attacks believed to have been carried out by the same suspect near the Venice Canals, and a search was continuing Tuesday for the culprit.
The attacks both occurred Saturday, with the two victims knocked unconscious with unknown types of hard objects, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The first attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the 2700 block of Strongs Drive, police said. The same suspect is believed to have attacked another woman about an hour later as she was walking near the Sherman Canal.
Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police said both victims sustained significant injuries.
The suspect was described as a man between 5-foot-10 and 6 feet, weighing about 180 to 200 pounds, with short trimmed hair. It was unclear what the suspect was last seen wearing.
Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting the Venice community to these crimes to emphasize the importance of personal safety," police said in a statement. "Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and notify the police of any suspicious activity or persons loitering in this area."
Officers will be increasing patrols throughout the Venice community as detectives work to identify and arrest the suspect, police said.
"I am horrified and furious to learn of these violent and abhorrent assaults on two women in Venice over the weekend," Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park said in a statement released by police. "As your councilwoman and as a resident of this community, I am calling on LAPD to devote every resource necessary to investigate these crimes.
"I have been working directly with Chief (Dominic) Choi and Capt. (Michael) Applegate and remain focused on ensuring that this criminal is apprehended, charged, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior will not be tolerated, and violent criminals will be held accountable."
Anyone with information regarding the attacks or additional victims who want to come forward were urged to contact LAPD Special Assault detectives at 213-473-0447. Calls during non-business hours and weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service