"Teardrop Rapist" sketches released to aid in LAPD pursuit

(CBS) LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles police have been hunting an attacker known as the "teardrop rapist" for more than 15 years, and this week they released a series of nine sketches they hope will put an end to a string of as many as 28 sexual assaults since 1996, CBS Los Angeles reported.

Officials say the suspect has targeted girls and women between the ages of 14 and 41, mostly in South L.A. when the victims were walking alone on their way to school, work or a bus stop.

Detectives say DNA evidence, as well as the nature of the attacks, have linked them together.

The attacker, who is believed to be between 40 and 55 years old, was dubbed the "teardrop rapist" due to a possible teardrop tattoo or scar below one eye, although police say he may have tried to have it removed.

According to CBS Los Angeles, the suspect approaches his targets with a knife or handgun between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. His most recent attack allegedly occurred on November 10, 2011.

The LAPD says he has been seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and green bandana with a black baseball cap or dark-colored beanie. The suspect speaks fluent English and Spanish, and is described as between 5-feet-2 and 6-feet tall, between 130 to 200 pounds, with brown eyes and hair, and a light complexion.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to call (877) LAPD-24-7, or email tips to rhd-sas@lapd.lacity.org.