LONG BEACH - Police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl walking to school Wednesday morning.

The assault occurred at 8:30 a.m. in an alley near 10th Street and Alamitos Avenue, said Long Beach Police spokeswoman Nancy Pratt.

"(The victim) was forced into the alley by the suspect, who proceeded to assault her," she said.

The girl, a Franklin Middle School student, informed a family member of the attack later in the day. The family member then alerted authorities, Pratt said.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Her attacker is described as a black male between 45 and 50 years old, with a mustache and salt-and-pepper hair. He stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and has an average to thin build, Pratt said.

Police patrols will be increased in the neighborhood in response to the crime, she said.

The school district's safety patrol on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood will also be increased indefinitely, said Long Beach Unified School District spokesman Chris Eftychiou.

"Our children should be able to walk to school and get their education without being subject to these criminal acts," he said.

About 1,000 Franklin Middle School children on Thursday went home with bulletins about the attack. Included in the bulletin were suspect information and a list of safety tips

I wonder why we have such beasts
among us
padma