Video showing jogger beaten, later assaulted, shaking up El Monte Community

SOUTH EL MONTE (FOX 11 / CNS) - It's an attack from early June caught on surveillance video.... shaking up the El Monte community.

The video shows a man approaching a woman jogger from behind on his bicycle on the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. He rides out in front of her, briefly speaking to her as she inches closer to the grass. He gets off of his bike, violently attacking her, wrestling her until he forces her down a steep hillside, eventually sexually assaulting her, according to Los Angeles sheriff deputies.

It's a wildlife trail residents are now watching closely.

"I'm not afraid of the coyotes or snakes out there, but you have to watch for the human predators," said Montebello resident David Duran.

Deputies describing that human predator as a male Hispanic in his mid 20s with medium to dark skin, clean shaven, around 5 '9, 175 pounds with a teardrop tattoo under his left eye last seen on this black mountain bike.

They believe he's possibly affiliated with a gang.

"It isn't safe walking by yourself, especially if you're a woman," said Tanairy Herrera.

While some people point to the park overall being safe and peaceful, many women tell us they have hesitations about the area.

"I would advice them not to go across the street into that little passage way. If they have to run through here, at least there's light," Eusebia Gonzales.

"It's just something I've grown up with that I don't go into the back trails," said Melissa Serrano.

Supervisor Hilda Solis Friday approved a 10 thousand dollar reward for anyone who can give information leading to a conviction of the criminal.

But some people wondering why sheriff deputies information didn't make a splashier announcement to the community back when the attack happened.

"They should have said something way earlier when it happened or at least a couple days after, so everyone could be aware," said Herrera.

Others, focused squarely on the suspect, hoping the information quickly gets him off the streets.

It's about time the taxpayer could enjoy the trail a little bit - we paid for those things so would enjoy with our families could enjoy jogging and riding our bicycles," said Duran.

If you recognize the suspect, here is how you can reach out to deputies:

Special Victims Bureau at 877 710 LASD. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you can call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222 TIPS or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) or using the website lacrimestoppers.org.

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