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Teen Allegedly Linked To Attempted Rape Through Acquaintance's DNA

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Police in Santa Ana say a 17-year-old teen has been linked to the attempted rape of a woman in the driveway of her Santa Ana home.

Officials said DNA analysis from items that fell to the ground during the attack were linked back to an acquaintance of the suspect.

The person linked to the DNA was ruled out in the attack. His DNA was in the system from a previous run-in with the law, officials said.

The victim's daughter confronted the suspect on Jan. 20 and helped her mother fight off the attempted rape, said Santa Ana police Anthony Bertagna.

Interviews with the acquaintance led detectives to the teen. The suspect's name was not disclosed because he is a juvenile.

Authorities said the teen made incriminating statements about the attack. He also resembled a composite sketch released after the attempted rape.

The victim had just arrived home in the 1100 block of West 17th Street about 5:30 p.m. when she was struck in the face, shoved against her car and held down as her attacker tore off her clothing, Bertagna said.

The woman shouted for help and honked her car's horn. Her daughter came running and confronted the suspect, who took off on a skateboard, Bertagna said.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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