Suspect sought in alleged sexual assault of hiker in Encino

Police are asking the public for help in locating a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman while hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains near Encino, authorities said.

The woman was attacked while hiking the Upper Canyonback Trail in the 17000 block of Mulholland Drive around noon on Nov. 21, Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

The man approached the woman from behind, forced her into a secluded area, and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as 30 years old with a two-inch scar on his right forearm, according to police.

Police reminded hikers to travel in pairs, carry a cellphone and always be aware of their surroundings.