Los Angeles police are currently investigating alarming reports on social media regarding a man who has been unnerving several women in the San Fernando Valley.
The LAPD issued a warning regarding this suspicious individual who has been approaching women in Studio City, North Hollywood, and Valley Village.
According to police statements, the middle-aged man has allegedly been attempting to lure women to his vehicle by asking for assistance in moving a box.
This investigation began when a woman posted a video on TikTok, cautioning others about her unnerving encounter with the man, who claimed he was injured and required help moving a box from his car.
In her viral video, the unidentified woman described the situation as unsettling and encouraged others to remain vigilant, particularly young women.
“There is a man who is approaching young women who are alone, and he’s faking an injury and asking them to help him move a box from the passenger seat of his car to the trunk of his car,” she mentioned in her video, which reached a significant number of viewers.
She proceeded to highlight that similar incidents had happened to others, stating, “I don’t know what scam this guy is running, but the literal exact same thing happened to somebody else who lives in the Valley, so I know that this guy is not legit.
At best this is what he does to pick up women.
At worst he is doing something more nefarious.”
The response to her video was swift, as multiple women shared their unsettling encounters with the same man, detailing experiences that ranged from suspicious behavior to instances where the man asked them out.
A woman even shared a photograph of the suspect alongside his vehicle and license plate.
Several women noted striking similarities between this behavior and tactics historically used by notorious criminals, including the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy.
In response to growing concerns, the LAPD reported on Friday that detectives from North Hollywood are actively working to investigate these incidents and have met with individuals impacted by the man’s behavior.
The LAPD reminded the community to stay vigilant, encouraging individuals to immediately report suspicious behavior by contacting the non-emergency line or dialing 9-1-1 if they feel unsafe.
Trusting one’s instincts is vital, and individuals are advised to remove themselves from uncomfortable situations promptly.
The police department emphasized the importance of caution when dealing with unsolicited approaches, as scammers and predators often present themselves as friendly or overly urgent.
Citizens are urged to refrain from making hasty decisions and to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
This ongoing investigation highlights the LAPD’s commitment to public safety, with staff dedicated to engaging with the community about potential scams or suspicious activities impacting local residents.
Detectives are encouraging anyone with more information or potential victims to reach out to the North Hollywood Division at (818) 754-8300.
image source from：patch
