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Two women were violently attacked and sexually assaulted about a half-mile apart in a largely residential neighborhood in West Los Angeles, and police on Tuesday asked for the public’s help finding the assailant.

The crimes occurred Saturday, July 2, and on Monday, the Fourth of July, according to the Los Angeles Police Department news release.

Both were in the Sawtelle neighborhood and took place on the same street, about five blocks apart.

The attacker was described as a "violent sexual predator" by Capt. Tina Nieto, commanding officer of the LAPD's West Los Angeles station, at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

Police released a 3-second video clip showing the attacker.

"Once you see the video, it appears it could be your next-door neighbor," Nieto said.

In the July 2 incident, a woman was grabbed from behind and dragged across a street to a “dark path,” the release said. The victim, in her 20s, was walking home about 2 a.m., Nieto said.

"He threw her on the ground and got on top of her. This was violent sexual assault," the captain said. "The victim tried to fight back, but the suspect punched her numerous times to quiet her, and then went on to sexually assault her."

Witnesses may have heard the victim screaming for help, but did not call 911, Nieto said.

"If you hear screams for help, please call the police," she said.

The attack occurred in the 1400 block of South Westgate Avenue, next to the University High School campus.

Nieto urged people not to walk alone in the area until the assailant is caught.

The Monday attack took place in "broad daylight," about 4:15 p.m., in the 1900 block of South Westgate Avenue, Nieto said. The address is next to Stoner Recreation Center, a site popular with joggers and families.

The adult female victim was also walking home, going down the street, when the attacker came up to her. The assailant put his arm around her neck and pulled her “down a driveway,” forcing her to the ground, the release said.

He sexually assaulted the woman and fled on foot.

In both cases, the assailant was a black man about 25 to 30 years old with black hair and some facial hair, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall and about 160 pounds, LAPD said.

Both victims were treated at local hospitals and released, Nieto said.

Detectives asked potential additional victims or witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Operations-West Bureau, Special Assault Section at 213-473-0447, or 877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips may be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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