Police Release Sketch of Home Invasion Robber

Los Alamitos police released a sketch Monday of a home invasion robber who knocked a young woman out and ransacked her apartment in the early morning hours Friday.

According to police, the man broke into a two-story apartment at the 3800 block of Howard Ave through a bathroom window and snuck up on a 21-year-old woman as she watched TV.

He stuck her on the head, creating a 4”-5” gash, demanded money, and then bound and gagged her before ransacking the apartment, according to Capt. Bruce McAlpine.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man, said McAlpine.

The suspect, as described by the victim, is an athletic male white adult, 30 – 40 years old; he was wearing a light colored sweatshirt, light colored beanie, and pants.  He is approximately 5’-7” to 5’-8”, weighing 170 pounds. The suspect wore glasses and gloves during the crime.  The victim’s purse, notebook computer, and keys were stolen in the robbery.

“When the suspect stopped paying attention to the victim, she was able to free her hands from behind her back and escape through the front door of the apartment,” said McAlpine. “She took her cell phone as she ran away and used it to call 911 once she found a safe location.”

The woman’s roommate was still inside an upstairs bedroom during the attack, but she was unaware of what was happening, and police don’t believe the suspect knew she was there.

The suspect fled the apartment, and did not chase the victim, according to police.  Los Alamitos police officers arrived to the crime scene within 3-minutes of the victim’s 911 call; and immediately searched the area, but the suspect was not found.

The victim was transported and released from the Los Alamitos Medical Center after being treated at the scene by the Orange County Fire Authority.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Dan Brandt of the Los Alamitos Detective Bureau at (562) 431-2255, extension 406.