Two more incidents of sexual battery in the Westwood area were
reported to university police last week, bringing the total number
of local incidents reported in about a month to seven.
Both were considered “delayed reports,” because of a
gap between the time that the attack occurred and when it was
reported. The latest incident occurred Jan. 10 at about 6:30
p.m.
According to a UCPD bulletin, a female student was walking south
along Kelton Avenue when the suspect grabbed her breasts
aggressively from behind. The assailant then fled on foot toward
Gayley Avenue.
The incident occurred on the same day that media attention
concerning the slew of incidents escalated as TV reporters
descended on Westwood last week. No incident of sexual battery has
been reported to have occurred since then.
The other attack that was recently reported occurred Dec. 15 at
11:30 a.m. on the 400 block of Kelton Avenue. The victim was
grabbed in a “bear hug” and the suspect proceeded to
grab her breasts, according to a UCPD crime alert.
Nancy Greenstein, director of police community services, said
she had expected a few victims to come in and file their reports
after the increase in media attention last week.
Greenstein added that she suspects “the people who are
going to report it have already done so,” and that more
delayed reports would probably not be filed.
Additional patrols were put into place after the report of an
incident that occurred Jan. 5, and vigilance has stayed high as the
investigation continues.
With a witness and composite images of the suspect in tow,
Greenstein said police were “hopeful” an arrest would
be made soon.
Compiled by Natalie Banach, Bruin senior staff. Anyone with
information is urged to call UCPD at (310) 825-1491. For more
information on UCLA CSO Escort Services, call (310)
794-WALK.