An alleged sexual battery occurred on the outside stairwell of Cerritos College’s Social Science building on Nov. 6 at approximately 11:30 a.m.

According to Brian Hill, the campus police captain, the victim claims that they were approached by a man who kissed her without permission.

The victim said that they didn’t know the suspect and had no history with him – the two of them had interacted for a few minutes and she was able to stave off the assailant.

This incident occurred in a public area and there were other people nearby, but no one else was close when it happened.

Hill said, “Nothing is concrete, but I would like to say that I believe this is a one-time incident involving the subject and I think it can be cleared up. I’m not discounting anything from anyone’s end – the victim is truly a victim, she did not know the subject.”

He also said that, within his two years being at the college, he doesn’t recall anything like this happening.

As a response to this incident, the victim will have police escorts accompany her – Hill noted that anyone can call the campus police and ask for escorts on campus if needed.

“As always, we take steps to protect any students, any victims, on campus and we make arrangements for students to feel as safe as possible,” Hill said.

A “timely warning” email was sent out from the college by Don Mueller, the campus police chief, later that day.

The email described the suspect as a 5-foot-8-inch tall Hispanic male who appeared to be in his 20s and was wearing a black sweatshirt and black sweatpants. A picture of the suspect was also included in the email.

Hill said the alleged suspect was identified and was cooperating with police as of Nov. 13.

Talon Marks reached out to Hill for an update on the situation, but has not heard back from him.