Police Link Long Beach Serial Rapist to Huntington Assault

An elusive serial rapist who has preyed on women in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach for at least three years is suspected of sexually assaulting an elderly Huntington Beach woman, police said Tuesday.

Investigators said they linked the latest attack to the rapist through similarities in the crimes and undisclosed physical evidence. Detectives from Long Beach and Huntington Beach are working together to find the rapist.

In the latest case, the rapist entered the home of the victim through an unlocked window about 1:10 a.m. June 11, Huntington Beach Police Lt. Chuck Thomas said.

The victim did not get a good look at the man but was able to describe him as dark-skinned, 30 to 35 years old, about 6 feet tall and with a medium build.

“To give what evidence we have would compromise the investigation and the ability to apprehend the suspect,” Thomas said. “At this point, we have no information that indicates a particular individual is responsible for the crime.”

At least six Long Beach women have been assaulted by the rapist, who always enters homes through an open door or window. The women range from 29 to 79, and they were all alone at the time of the attacks, Long Beach Police Officer Jana Blair said.

In all cases, the attacker covered the victims’ faces to prevent them from getting a good look at him. In some cases, the intruder wore nothing but a mask and gloves, officials said.

“All women need to be cautious,” Blair said.

The string of attacks began in January 1997, but police are checking state databases and DNA tests to determine whether the rapist might be linked to earlier crimes.

The last assault in Long Beach was of a 76-year-old woman on April 2. The rapist entered her home through an unlocked window and immediately covered her face with a cloth and then sexually assaulted her, officials said.

“Everyone needs to be careful,” Blair said. “People need to secure their windows regardless of the weather.”

“Detectives are dedicated to solving this, especially during the summer months. Hopefully, with this new development in Huntington Beach, we are one step closer to catching the perpetrator.”

In late 1998, police arrested a man they believed was the rapist. But he was later released when DNA tests exonerated him.