Man sexually assaults, attempts to kidnap woman in Azusa, police say

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man grabbed a woman from behind, sexually assaulted and attempted to kidnap her Tuesday afternoon near Azusa Pacific University, according to authorities.

Azusa police said the man targeted the woman in the carport area of an apartment complex in the 1100 block of E. Alosta Avenue at about 3:30 p.m.

The woman was walking to her apartment when the man approached her from behind, grabbed her, and was able to lift the victim off her feet in an attempt to carry her away, according to police.

Authorities said the woman fought the suspect off and ran from the scene.

The woman was sexually assaulted during the attack, officials stated.

Police responded and searched the area, but the suspect was not found.

The suspect was described by officials as a man in his late teens to early 20s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and was last seen wearing dark clothing and a baseball style hat.

Azusa police said the attack was not believed to be connected to a similar incident that occurred at California State University, Northridge at about the same time on Tuesday.

If you have any information that could aid detectives in their investigation, you were urged to call Det. S. Spahr at (626) 812-3200.