Would-be rapist runs into apartment complex after witness stops attack
- 5:30 p.m. Friday update: Pittsfield Township police release photos of suspect in attempted sexual assault
A woman walking through a parking lot escaped a sexual assault Thursday night when a witness stopped the attack.
The 53-year-old woman had just shopped at a party store near Clark and Golfside and was walking through a nearby office park in the 4900 block of Clark Road, according to Pittsfield Township police.
That's when a man grabbed her from behind and started his attack. His attempt to sexually assault her resulted in a struggle, which was noticed by a witness.
That witness interrupted the attack, according to police. The man then ran away - after taking some of the items his victim had just bought.
The witness helped police pinpoint an area of the nearby apartment complex where the suspect had headed, but officers were unable to locate him.
The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, police are asking the public for help. Anyone who may have witnessed the attack is asked to contact Pittsfield Police at (734) 822-4911.
The suspect is described as a black male, 5’8” and weighing about 150 pounds. He's in his late 20’s to early 30’s and was wearing a plain white T-shirt and dark pants.
Comments
pbehjatnia
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
So lucky someone saw and intervened.
RJA
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
@ Jonathan.. I would call him a hero also. (not knowing if the suspect has a weapon or not).
YouAreNotAlwaysRight
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
That capital 'i' in Pittsfield sure does look like an 'l'.
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
Thanks its been fixed. ArthGuinness- I'm with you, don't even get me started on fonts. My particular childhood typeface nightmare is that of the Disney G/D. But, we're off topic here. I'm just glad that the witness happened to be in the area and was able to jump in this situation.
ArthGuinness
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Any fonts that don't cIearIy distinguish between an l and an I are useIess. As a chiId, l seriousIy didn't know the correct name of the magazine Sports lIIustrated because they used a terribIe font on the cover. Note that l have switched aII l's and I's in this comment.
LaMusica
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
Luckily for this woman there was someone around who was willing to intervene. Lucky for the witness that the attacker either didn't have a weapon or didn't use it. Glad they both thwarted the attack, and I hope the suspect is caught.
Arbuckle
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
A hero, indeed! Way to go! We need more people like this witness to stick around once police are called.
Jonathan Blutarsky
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
I'd call that witness a hero!
redwingshero
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
I'd agree great job to help someone when most times people just call 911 and don't want to get into a physical altercation. Though the witness could have legally neutralized the threat by self-defense of a third party. Hope the Pittsfield Blue can nail this guy.