Victim escapes attempted sexual assault on Hilgard Avenue
By Daniel Schonhaut
March 5, 2010 3:54 p.m.
An attempted sexual assault occurred around 1:30 a.m. today on the 800 block of Hilgard Avenue.
A woman, who police said is affiliated with UCLA, was grabbed by a man from behind while she was walking. The man knocked her to the ground and attempted to assault her. After struggling, the woman was able to escape without injury.
The man is described as being about 25 years old, Asian, and with a medium build, according to a police statement.
Police have not released a composite sketch of the man, but they are working with the woman to identify a suspect, said Nancy Greenstein, a spokesperson for the university police department.
UCPD has sent information about the incident to local law enforcement agencies.
Fliers were also posted this morning to warn people in the area, Greenstein said.
This is the second reported case of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault that has occurred near campus since the beginning of the school year.
The suspect in an Oct. 26 alleged sexual assault that took place near the intersection of Gayley Avenue and Veteran Avenue is described as being a black man in his 20s. The Los Angeles Police Department, which is investigating the October case, could not confirm if any related arrests have been made.
In the meantime, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to walk with other people in well-lit areas at night.
Escort services are also available from dusk until 1 a.m., and can be reached at 310-794-9255.
Anyone with information about the attempted assault can contact UCPD detectives at 310-825-9371.
