DNA evidence leads to arrest of the suspect in West Hollywood
By Staff Writer
On March 14, 2023, Anthony Pittman was arrested in West Hollywood for a series of sexual assaults committed in Santa Monica, LAPD’s Northeast Division, and LAPD’s Wilshire Division between August 28, 2022, and September 15, 2022.
According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Pittman has been charged with three counts of forcible rape, one count of forcible sodomy, one count of digital penetration, and one count of sexual battery. The victims were all adult females who were experiencing homelessness at the time of the assaults.
Thanks to DNA evidence, authorities were able to link the cases together, leading to Pittman’s arrest. The LAPD and Santa Monica Police Department are urging anyone with information about Pittman or the assaults to come forward and contact them.
These heinous crimes have put a spotlight on the vulnerability of the homeless population and the need for increased protection and support. Homelessness is a growing issue in many cities across the United States, and those experiencing homelessness are often at a higher risk of violence and victimization.
If you have any information about Pittman or the assaults, please contact the Santa Monica Police Department Watch Commander at (310)458-2249, if you are calling after hours. You can also contact Sgt. Chad Goodwin (310) 458-8931 or Detective Oscar Flores (310) 458-8609 directly. Your information could help bring closure to the victims and ensure that justice is served.
We must also continue to hold those who commit these crimes accountable for their actions. The charges against Pittman are a step towards justice for the victims, and we hope that this case will serve as a reminder that sexual assault and violence against women will not be tolerated in our society.
