Man Sought in Attack, Rape in Pasadena

Police were seeking a man who beat and raped a woman at a Pasadena apartment complex on Sunday evening, authorities said.

The attack took place about 7:45 p.m. in the area of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said.

A woman in her 30s stepped outside to smoke a cigarette when a man approached her and asked her for one, according to the lieutenant.

The man then suddenly attacked her, Hettema said. “The suspect punched the victim in the face three times.”

He proceeded to sexually assault the woman, who fought with him until he ultimately threw her to the ground and she ran away.

Responding officers searched the area, but the suspect was not found, Hettema said. He was described as a man in his 40s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black jeans.

The victim, who suffered injuries including black eyes, was taken to a hospital for examination, Hettema said.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.