Long Beach assault linked to serial rapist 

By Michelle Devera and 
Sharon Christensen
Daily Forty-Niner

The Aug. 21 sexual assault on a 77-year-old woman is the latest attack relating to the Belmont Shores rapist since last fall, said Nancy Tabing, a spokeswoman for the Long Beach Police Department.
 
Like the Belmont Shores rape cases, Tabing said, the most recent assault happened at the victimís home and at about the same time, 1 a.m. The suspect, a Caucasian male, also said things that were similar to things the Belmont Shores rapist had said in past assaults, she said.
 
Police would not comment as to what the suspect had said.
 
The victim was alone sleeping when the attacker forced his way through a window at the rear of the house, she said. 
 
This is the only instance in the series of rapes plaguing the Belmont Shores area where the suspect used force to enter the residence.
 
The victim did not sustain any physical injuries other than the sexual assault, police said.
 
Jeffrey Grant, who had been arrested earlier in connection to the Belmont Shores cases, was released because of a lack of evidence, Tabing said. 
 
Three victims positively identified Grant, she said, but there was no DNA evidence linking him to the crimes.
 
"We didnít dismiss the fact that Mr. Grant was identified by the victims," Tabing said. "However, he has been excluded in the cases where we had DNA evidence and could exclude him."
 
In each of the attacks since the first assault May 7, 1997, to Sept. 18 of last year, the attacker entered the home through an unlocked door or window. 
 
"We know people want ventilation," said Officer Jana Blair, of the Long Beach Police Department. "But there are ways to secure doors and windows. Ask someone at your local hardware store."
 
There have been no new arrests made and the investigation is ongoing, police said. 
 
Anyone with information is asked to call the LBPD Sex Crimes Detail at (562) 570-7368.