A creep is on the loose in Koreatown.

He's viciously attacking lone women in apartment buildings, usually to rob them, police say. But in at least one case cops say he also sexually assaulted a victim.

The Los Angeles Police Department this week unveiled security video (below) of the suspect's latest crime. He is seen scurrying after the victim, dragging her by her purse, and punching her more than once in order to get that bag. Detectives also believe he held a sharp object to the woman's throat during that robbery.

Cops think the guy has pounced four times in Koreatown since early November, often using the same M.O.

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The latest crime happened Dec. 30 at 10:50 p.m. when a woman entered her apartment building in the 400 block of South Westmoreland Avenue, picked up her mail in the lobby and proceeded to the elevator, according to police and a review of the complex's security video.

An LAPD statement describes the attack:

The suspect followed the lone female inside the elevator, pressed a sharp object on her neck and attempted to take her purse. When the victim held onto to her handbag, the suspect slammed the victim to the ground, punched and kicked her multiple times then took her purse.


Cops say the guy's first crime in the known series took place at 4:25 a.m. Nov. 9 when he allegedly punched a woman in an apartment complex elevator in the 300 block of  South Alexandria Avenue and took her purse.

Then, on Nov. 23 at 12:30 a.m., the suspect followed a woman into an apartment building elevator, punched her, and took her purse, the LAPD says. That attack happened in the 500 block of South Hobart Boulevard, according to the department.

On Dec. 23 at 2:00 a.m. the creep escalated his violence, police say, robbing a woman in an apartment complex elevator and sexually battering her in the process.


The LAPD says he “punched her numerous times then took her purse.” That crime happened in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue, police said.

Cops say the suspect is in his 20s, stands about 5 feet, 7 inches, weighs 150 or so, and is often in hoodies, sweatshirts and shorts. I you think you know who it is (we're going to take a wild guess and say he probably lives in the area), detectives would love to hear from you: 877-527-3247.

Police say the women of Koreatown should be vigilant.

Send feedback and tips to the author. Follow Dennis Romero on Twitter at @dennisjromero. Follow L.A. Weekly News on Twitter at @laweeklynews.

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