LAPD seeking man who assaulted hiker

The Los Angeles Police Department continues to search for the man who sexually assaulted a female hiker two weeks ago in the Santa Monica Mountains near Encino.

The woman was attacked while hiking along the Upper Canyonback Trail in the 17000 block of Mulholland Drive around noon on Nov. 21, police said in a release.

LAPD Det. Joseph Hampton said during a Monday news conference that the attack occurred between Tampa Avenue and Reseda Boulevard.

The woman was approached by a white or Latino man, about 30 years old, who had a 2-inch scar on his right forearm, and he sexually assaulted her in a secluded area, Hampton said.

“The suspect did have a knife with him at the time the crime was committed, though he didn’t use the knife during the commission of the crime,” the detective added.

No other details about the suspect were available Monday morning.

There was no available security footage.

Patrols have been increased in the area as police continue the investigation, Hampton said.

This is the first sexual assault reported in the area in recent years, authorities said, urging the public to exercise caution when hiking near the location.

“If you are going to use the hills and the trails in the surrounding areas, I ask that you hike in pairs and let somebody know where exactly you’re going,” Hampton said.

“Bring your cellphone with you. Not only is it a good habit to have so you can make cellphone calls, but you could also send out distress locations with a drop of a pin to friends and family if something happens to you out in that area,” he said.