The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help to identify a suspect accused of sexually assaulting a woman after she left a Planet Fitness gym in North Hollywood on July 19.

According to police, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. The suspect allegedly approached the woman from behind, forcibly removed her pants and underwear, and sexually assaulted her with his hand. The LAPD stated that the lead detective on the case is concerned the suspect may be a serial predator who has targeted other women leaving area gyms.

The suspect is described as a male, approximately 6 feet tall, with brown eyes, black hair, a large build, and a thick neck. Surveillance images released by the LAPD depict a heavyset man wearing blue jeans and a beige jacket, at times appearing to be on his phone.

Collage of two images of a man in a beige jacket and jeans, holding a phone in one image and with a backpack in the other.

Area residents have expressed increased caution following the news. The manager of the Planet Fitness gym told KTLA that members who feel unsafe can request an escort to their vehicles from gym staff.

The storefront of a Planet Fitness gym with a person entering the gym and a parked car.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact LAPD's North Hollywood Sex Detectives at (818) 754-8458.