Full Notification

On March 1, 2026, at approximately 1:10 p.m., Culver City Police officers responded to a report of a battery on the 13310 block of Washington Boulevard.

Officers contacted the victim, who reported that at approximately 12:30 p.m., she was walking westbound in a rear alley on Washington Boulevard when an unknown male suddenly grabbed her from behind. The suspect wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. The victim screamed and kicked until she was able to break free. Before fleeing, the suspect kissed the victim on the cheek and ran westbound through the alley. The victim did not report any physical injuries. An immediate search of the area was conducted, but the suspect was not located.

Detectives from the Culver City Police Department launched an investigation and quickly identified the suspect, a registered sex offender, believed to be involved in the incident. Police immediately began an intensive search for the suspect.

On March 3, 2026, at approximately 5:34 p.m., a Culver City Police sergeant conducting extra patrol in the area of Washington Boulevard and Louise Avenue observed a subject matching the suspect’s description and wearing clothing matching what was worn when the crime was committed. The subject was detained for investigation and identified as twenty-four-year-old Giovanni Leon of Los Angeles.

Leon was taken into custody without incident, transported to the Culver City Police Department Jail, and booked for Assault with Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense.

While there are no additional reports of crimes of this nature in the Culver City area, we are working with other local law enforcement agencies to identify any additional potential victims. We encourage anyone with information related to this case or others that may involve this suspect to contact Detective Aguilar at (310) 253-6318 or email [email protected].

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 or [email protected].
 

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