Woman sexually assaulted at LA-area beach as companion forced to lay face down

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. -- A couple was robbed and the woman was sexually assaulted at Manhattan Beach shortly after midnight Sunday.

A Hispanic man approached the man and woman sitting on the sand near the 3400 block of Waterline, police said. The suspect simulated a handgun and forced the man to lie face down in the sand while he sexually assaulted the woman.

The suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading southbound down the street. Items that the victims had were also taken by the suspect.

Authorities searched the area for the man, but he was not located. Both victims were in their 40s, police said.

Residents say they normally feel very comfortable walking their dogs or strolling around the city.

"It's completely shocking to me. As a resident, we truly believe that it's one of the safest places in the country," Peter Erling said.

Manhattan Beach detectives are handling the investigation. Anyone with further information was urged to contact detectives at (310) 802-5140.