By Henry Caceres
A sexual battery occurred on campus around 9:30 a.m on Oct. 18 between the Automotive Technology and Arts buildings.
A male in his mid-20s approached a female student and began to ask inappropriate questions.
As the student ignored him, and began to walk faster toward her class, the suspect reached out and grabbed her inappropriately.
He then fled the scene on his bike.
The male suspect was approximately 5’9” and appeared to be around 200 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a black backwards baseball cap and black long sleeve shirt, pants and shoes.
No weapon was seen on the suspect.
Deputy Albert Romero said the specific area will now be much more secure, because there will be extra patrols being done.
Romero said the campus sheriff’s department can always do more with more officers, but he believes the department has enough people to do their job well on campus and maintain the overall safety of the students.
Romero said to get the fastest response to an emergency on campus, students should contact the campus sheriff’s station directly at 323-265-6450.
“Walk with a partner, do not stare at your phone while walking, be aware of your surroundings. Try to pick a path where it is well lit and the majority of the campus is decently lit.”
“We (campus police) are on campus 24/7, so we can respond to any report that is made within minutes,” Romero said.
LACCD also recommends students should travel in pairs when possible or with someone who is well trusted, especially at night.
It recommends students go to a safe location and call local authorities if a crime is observed.
This is still an ongoing investigation according to Deputy Romero.
If anyone has any new information, they are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Community College Bureau Headquarters 323-669-7555 at any time.