Photo: Glenn Highcove / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
VENICE (CNS) - Police Wednesday were continuing their search for the person who assaulted two women with a hard object in separate attacks near the Venice Canals.
Los Angeles Police Department Operations West-Bureau Special Assault Section personnel were investigating the attacks that occurred Saturday, rendering two women unconscious in similar assaults.
Officers responded around 10:30 p.m. Saturday to the 2700 block of Strongs Drive on a report of a woman being approached from behind and struck with a blunt object, leaving the woman unconscious. The suspect similarly attacked another woman about an hour later as she was walking near the Sherman Canal.
Police said both victims sustained significant injuries, although their current conditions were unknown. KNX News reported that at least one of the victims is still hospitalized.
Detectives identified the suspect as a man between 5-foot-10-inches and 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 180 to 200 pounds, with short trimmed hair. It was unclear what the suspect was last seen wearing.
"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 suspects involved in the assaults, 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, who represents the area, said in a statement. ``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 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.