SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department needs the help of the public in identifying and locating a man who sexually assaulted a female victim.

The incident started on November 17, when she told officers that at approximately 7:30 p.m., she called for a taxi in the 300 block of Arizona Avenue and asked the driver to bring her home. Instead, he drove her to the 3000 block of Barnard Way where she was sexually assaulted by the suspect. He then fled the scene.

He is described as possibly being of Middle Eastern descent. The suspect is 56 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 155 pounds. He had short black/gray hair and was wearing a flannel shirt, khaki pants, brown shoes and a wristwatch. He was also driving a “taxi-cab, yellow four-door sedan with black lettering.”

For those who have any information, please contact Detective Eddie Soto at310-458-8218 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              310-458-8218      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or the Santa Monica Police Department (a 24-hour line) at 310-458-8495begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              310-458-8495      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIMEbegin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-78-CRIME      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (1-800-78-27 463begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-78-27 463      end_of_the_skype_highlighting). Individuals will remain completely anonymous and could be eligible for a reward if information provided leads to an arrest and conviction, the police department stated.

Any caller can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling 800-222-TIPS, texting from your mobile phone, or by visiting the website atlacrimestoppers.org. Any caller may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000.00 reward by Crime Stoppers.