Girl Evades Man Suspected of Being Harbor City Molester

A man suspected of at least six sexual assaults and attempted attacks of schoolgirls in the South Bay tried to lure a 9-year-old girl into a van Friday morning in Harbor City, police said.

The student, who was walking near a school about 10:30 a.m., ran from the man and evaded his efforts to follow her, authorities said.

A 35-member task force made up of investigators from the local school district and law enforcement agencies is leading a search for the man. The first attack occurred in Ladera Heights in January when 7-year-old and 8-year-old girls were kidnapped and molested, authorities said. On June 7, the man attempted to kidnap a 7-year-old girl in the Lennox area, police said.

The man was described as being black, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, between 30 and 40, with a mustache or beard. He drives a gray van with a red or burgundy interior. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (310) 548-7621.