Hunt Continues For Man Behind Brazen Attempted Sex Assault In Tustin

TUSTIN (CBSLA) — A search is underway Sunday for a man suspected in an attempted sexual assault in Tustin, authorities said.

Police say the attack unfolded after the man came up behind a woman who was walking on Mitchell Avenue near Red Hill  around 6 a.m. Saturday.

That's when authorities say the suspect grabbed the woman, dragged her to the sidewalk and tried to rip off her clothes.

CBS2's Greg Mills reports the man was able to push the woman down on a flower bed and tried to take her pants off. He smacked him in the face but she fought back and he fled the scene, witnesses said.

The victim screamed waking up many neighbors, Mills reported.

"It was in Spanish," said neighbor Dora Martinez, "She was like 'Oh help me' but it was in Spanish. She was crying."

Other area residents said they were surprised such a crime occurred on this quiet street.

"I walk sometimes [around here]," said Rebecca Woods, "It's really scary. Fricking crazy. Out here you would think there isn't a lot of crime, right?"

The suspect lost his hap as he ran off so police likely will be able to get a DNA profile.

Police have not released a sketch of the suspect but reportedly got security video from  a neighbor that gave them quite a description.

The suspect was described as Latino, between 25-35, with black hair. He was wearing a red zip-up hoodie, dickey-style pants, brown boots and was carrying a black backpack with white lettering.