Pacific Palisades Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin wrote in a crime report released on February 9 that “last week was very busy, we had five burglaries and six vehicle crimes and an attempted rape.
“I met with our detectives to see if there are any trends or MO’s (modus operandi or method of) that they believe might be connected,” Espin said. “The Detectives mentioned a couple incidents where the suspects turned off the power to residences. It might be a good idea to place a lock on your electrical box.
“They have seen some cases where the suspects shut down the power to disable the security systems and Wi-Fi,” he said. “Most security cameras now are connected through the Wi-Fi.”
He explained that West Bureau Detectives are handling the attempted rape case and have been out in the area canvasing for clues or evidence.
The attempted rape occurred Saturday, February 4, at about 6:30 p.m. in the 15000 block of Pacific Coast Highway (south of the Lifeguard headquarters).
The suspect approached the victim and engaged in a conversation. When the victim ended the conversation and tried to walk away the suspect grabbed the victim and made statements of intent to commit a sexual battery.
The suspect brandished a bladed weapon (possible knife). The victim was able to create distance from the suspect and able to get away and call the Police.
The suspect is described as possibly a male Hispanic 5’7, 150-160 lbs., about 20-30 years of age, with black hair, wearing dark-colored zip-up sweater and dark pants.
(Editor’s note: there seems to be some misinformation that was spread on a social media site or through gossip that was then presented to Espin as “fact” at the Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting. He attempted to present the facts, but many attending, were not allowing him to speak.)
Suspect sought in attempted rape.
ATTEMPTED RAPE:
February 4, 6:30 p.m., in the 15500 block of Pacific Coast Highway (Will Rogers State Beach). Suspect approached victim and made statements eluding to sexual intercourse. In fear, the victim began to yell, and suspect placed hand over victim’s mouth and brandished a blade. The victim pleaded for the suspect to let her go and offered money. Victim was able to get to her vehicle and get away. Suspect fled the area.
BURGLARY:
January 29, 2:35 p.m., in the 600 block of Alma Real Drive. Suspects pried open the rear door of a residence, ransacked the home and fled. It was unknown if property was taken.
January 30, 10 to 10:25 a.m. in the 1100 block of Kagawa Street. Suspects entered the rear yard and smashed a rear patio window. The three suspects became startled when they realized the victim was home and fled without taking property. Latent prints were requested, and CCTV is available.
January 31, 7:13 p.m., in the 200 block of Alma Real Drive. Suspect smashed rear window, entered residence, took safe and fled. Suspect left safe behind outside of the residence. CCTV is possible.
February 2 to 3, 5 to 5:30 p.m. in the 15100 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Suspects used a tool to cut the padlock off the lifeguard tower. Once the suspects gained entry, they took a cellphone and battery charger and fled.
BURGLARY THEFT FROM VEHICLE:
February 1 to 2, 3 p.m. to 8 a.m., in the 700 block of Iliff Street. The suspect cut the catalytic converter off a vehicle that was parked in the street and fled.
February 1, noon to 2:30 p.m., in the 17400 block of Tramonto Drive. Suspect pried open vehicle door and took victim’s property.
February 2 to 5, 6:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the 700 block of Ocampo Drive. The suspect removed catalytic converter from victim’s vehicle.
February 2, 1:30 a.m., in the 900 block Galloway. Suspect removed catalytic converter from victim’s vehicle.
February 2, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m., in the 17300 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Suspect entered secured vehicle, removed victim’s property and fled location.
February 4, 4:15 to 6:15 p.m., in the 17300 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Suspect entered victim’s vehicle by unknown means, took property and fled location.
BURGLARY/GRAND THEFT AUTO:
January 30, 5 a.m., in the 15000 block of Sunset Boulevard. Suspects entered locked and secured garage and fled in victim’s vehicle, a 2020 black Land Rover.