Two violent attacks by a man armed with what appears to be a long rod or pipe have left residents of Long Beach, California on alert.
The first incident occurred on the morning of Jan. 4, when a woman pushing a baby stroller was assaulted from behind, the Long Beach Police Department said in a Jan. 5 statement on X, formerly Twitter.
The attack occurred near the intersection of 21st Street and Locust Avenue in the northeast area of the city.
The unsuspecting woman was later transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The child in the stroller was not injured.
Two hours later, police say the attacker struck again.
Another victim was walking near 21st and Pine streets when they passed the attacker, who then struck the victim with what appeared to be the same object.
Authorities say the object used to assault the victims is unknown, but photos included in the social media post show the alleged attacker holding what appears to be a long metal rod or pipe.
The attacker is still at large. Authorities describe him as a Hispanic male in his mid-20s, approximately 5‘5’‘ to 5’7'' in height with a peach fuzz mustache.
At the time of the attacks, his image was captured by a security camera wearing a white hat, turquoise sweater over a black hoodie, blue pants with white and black tennis shoes, according to authorities.
He is seen also carrying a black bag hanging from his chest with shoulder straps around his neck.
Authorities say they have increased patrols in the area and are actively looking for the suspect and urge anyone with information to contact the city’s police dispatch at (562) 435-6711.