By Lookout Staff

May 1, 2025 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Police Department is seeking the public's help finding the suspect in an alleged sexual assault that took place at the school's library Wednesday morning.

The incident took place at around 11:30 a.m. when the suspect, who has not been identified, approached the female victim, tapped her shoulder and asked for a kiss. “When the victim attempted to leave, (the) suspect grabbed the victim’s groin area without consent,” according to a statement from SMC police.

“The suspect then left the area in an unknown direction,” police officials said. Police personnel offered support/resources to the victim.

On Thursday, SMC police circulated a picture of the suspect, who is described as a male between 18 and 25 years old with black hair. His race or ethnicity are not known, police said.

SMC police issued a crime alert in compliance with the federal Clery Act. Clery Timely Warnings are issued when certain crimes are reported on or near College property.

"These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations and allow community members to take precautions for personal safety," police officials said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the SMC Police Department at 310-434-4300. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org.