The Glendale Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public to identify a male responsible for assaulting three young women in the past five days.

In each of the cases he groped the woman’s buttocks. On one occasion he also grabbed the breasts of the victim. On all three occasions after the groping incidents, the male laughed and fled on foot.

The male has been described by the victims as Middle Eastern, late 20s to his early 30s, 5’8’-5’11’, with a thin build and short hair.

On two occasions, he was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie sweatshirt pulled over his head, dark pants and white tennis shoes.

The victims ranged in age from late teens to early 20s. In each of these three cases, the female victims were alone and were in a high traffic area at the time of the assault.

The first assault occurred on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 p.m. The suspect was walking toward the 22-year-old female victim on Lexington Avenue near Columbus Avenue and blocked her path. He grabbed her breasts and then reached around and grabbed her buttocks.

The second assault occurred on Monday, Dec. 19 at 10:45 p.m. The 26-year-old female victim was in the parking lot at Maryland and California avenues when the suspect approached her from behind and grabbed her buttocks.

The third assault occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 1 a.m. The suspect was walking toward the 19-year-old female victim on Glendale Avenue near Glenoaks Boulevard. After passing the victim, the suspect approached the victim from behind and groped her buttocks. The suspect laughed and apologized saying he was sorry. The victim yelled and the suspect ran away.

The Glendale Police Department urges citizens to always be aware of their surroundings, especially during the evening hours. Try not to walk alone.

Never let your guard down, even in heavily traveled areas. Carry a flashlight and have a cellphone readily available. There are many self-defense devices available such as pepper spray or even using car keys. While walking, keep them ready and in your hands.

Immediately report the incident to the Glendale Police Department by calling 911.

Detective Alex Krikorian is seeking any information. If anyone has been assaulted or has seen this individual loitering in the downtown area, please call. Detective Krikorian can be reached at (818) 548-3106.

If anyone sees someone matching the description, loitering, following women and possibly seeking his next target, call the Glendale Police Department immediately at (818) 548-4911.

Anonymous tips may be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477); callers may be eligible for a reward.