By Lookout Staff

September 26, 2022 -- A sexual predator is attempting to lure female students from Santa Monica College's (SMC) main campus to sexually assault them, according to a warning issued by college police Thursday.

The man -- described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall and approximately 135 pounds with short black hair -- is befriending the students near the outdoor tables south of Descher Hall, police said.

“Once the subject befriends the victim he then lures the victim off campus with the pretense of ‘hanging out,’” SMC Police Chief Johnnie Adams said in a statement Thursday.

“The subject then sexually assaults the victim,” Adams said.

Adams said the case is being handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department because "it occurred off campus in their jurisdiction," according to a statement issued to The Corsair.

He told the SMC student newspaper that SMCPD "felt it best to be transparent to protect our community."

The incidents are currently under investigation, he said.

Adams urged students to report suspicious activity and call 911 in case of emergencies, according to the Corsair. They also should contact campus police and download the LiveSafe safety app.

"The safety of our students is our number one priority," Adams said.

Anyone who has encountered a similar incident should call (310) 434-4300 and ask for a supervisor, or email at SMCPD@smc.edu.