Serial Rape Suspect Arrested In Connection With Santa Monica Assaults

SANTA MONICA, CA — A suspect believed to have committed a series of sexual assaults in Santa Monica and Los Angeles was arrested last week, police department officials announced Friday.

According to SMPD, the sexual assaults occurred between Aug. 28 and Sept. 15, 2022. Officers identified a man named Anthony Pittman and arrested him on March 14 in connection with the crimes.

After Pittman's arrest, the Los Angeles District Attorney filed three counts of forcible rape, one count of forcible sodomy, one count of digital penetration and one count of sexual battery against him on March 16.

"Using DNA evidence, authorities were able to link the cases, all of which involved adult female victims who were experiencing homelessness at the time of the assaults," SMPD spokesperson Erika Aklufi said in a statement.

Anyone who may have information about Pittman or the assaults was urged to contact the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-2249, Sergeant Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931 or Detective Oscar Flores at 310-458-8609.