Two women say they were groped by man at Silver Lake Reservoir; police investigation underway

SILVER LAKE, LOS ANGELES () — Safety concerns are growing after two women said they were groped near the Silver Lake Reservoir in separate incidents.

Signs have been posted around the area warning women to be careful.

Silver Lake resident Rianna Johnson Levy said the news has shaken her sense of safety.

“It’s really disturbing,” Johnson Levy said.

She said she used to feel comfortable walking her dog and running around the reservoir at night.

“We’ve just sort of been sticking around to the other side of the reservoir where there’s better streetlights,” she said.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the most recent incident occurred last Saturday around 5 p.m., when a 33-year-old woman reported she was exercising in the park as a man approached her from behind and touched her breasts. Police said the suspect fled the area.

A similar incident was reported on March 25 around 8:45 p.m., police said. In that case, a 25-year-old woman told officers she was working out when a man approached her from behind and groped her breast area. The suspect also ran away, police said.

Andrew Lawson, who lives in Silver Lake, said the assaults are frightening for everyone.

“As a man it’s terrifying as well. It could impact anyone we know from friends to family to my niece,” he said. “It impacts us all. It’s not just a women’s issue. It’s a community issue.”

The concern was evident as neighbors stopped to read the warning signs.

Maya Berry said she no longer feels comfortable visiting the dog park alone.

“I think it’s always good to carry pepper spray, and no headphones, so you can hear what’s going on around you,” Berry said.

Police said they are investigating the crimes and have added extra patrols, including officers walking the area.