A serial sexual predator suspect has been arrested for nearly two dozen attacks on women around Westwood Plaza and UCLA.
Derrick Kim, 32, was arrested by the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division’s sex crimes unit and UCLA police, authorities said on Wednesday.
“This case involved a sexual predator who has been active since October 23rd, 2020, and committed a reported 23 misdemeanor sexual batteries in the West LA area,” an LAPD statement alleges.
“In almost all of the reported crimes, the suspect approached lone females from behind, fondled their breasts or buttocks and quickly fled from the scene. The suspect typically wore a hooded sweatshirt and a surgical type mask which concealed his face.”
The investigation conducted by the LAPD and the UCLA Police Department led to the identification of Kim as a possible suspect, and undercover LAPD detectives began a surveillance operation.
“While gathering information as to Mr. Kim’s movements, they observed him attack a 50-year-old female transient by groping her breasts on Tuesday,” police alleged.
Mr. Kim was booked on suspicion of sexual battery and held in lieu of $575,000 bail.
Detectives believe there are other victims of similar attacks, and they urged people to call the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-486-6910; 877-LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
