Police Warn of a Rapist in the Area After a Woman Was Sexually Assaulted Walking in Chatsworth

Police today issued a community alert after a victim was sexually assaulted while walking in Chatsworth.

The female victim was walking about 8:30 p.m. Friday in the 10000 block of Cozycroft Avenue when a male suspect knocked her to the ground and sexually assaulted her, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area was urged to contact the Devonshire Station Sexual Assault Unit at (818) 832-0609 or the station watch commander at (818) 832-0633.

Police issued several safety tips, advising members of the public to:

--always be aware of their surroundings;

--avoid wearing headphones or earbuds;

--walk in groups or when alone to remain in continuous contact with someone, keeping them aware of your location;

--stick to well-lit and heavily traveled streets; and

--avoid walking next to bushes and/or blind spots.

• City News Service