Two sought in Fashion District sexual assault

Los Angeles police are asking for help in identifying two men wanted in the sexual assault of a woman in the Fashion District, they said Tuesday.

The 18-year-old woman was walking to work July 16 when she noticed a man with long hair walk by her under the California Mart bridge near Olympic Boulevard and Main Street, police said.

The man turned back, placed the woman in a bear hug and dragged her, kicking and screaming, to a driveway entrance nearby, police said.

The victim noticed a second man with shorter hair who is wanted as an accessory to the crime for acting as a lookout, police said. The second man had a tattoo covering most of his right cheek, but the victim could not make out what the tattoo depicted.

The woman fought the long-haired suspect as he held her face down on the ground, arms behind her back, police said. Eventually, she was able to pull loose from his one-handed grip and punch him before the suspects ran away, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Det. Joshua Riggs at (213) 972-1235.

Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cellphone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”

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-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Police sketches of suspects in Fashion District sexual assault. Credit: Los Angeles Police Department