Sexual Assault In 'Safe' Area Has Women On Edge

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Visitors to Old Town Pasadena this weekend will find a large police presence.

CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Juan Fernandez reports a sexual assault in the area -- considered by many to be a "safe" area -- has women on edge.

Resident Katherine Baldares told Fernandez "It's scary. This is terrifying."

Fernandez reports officers have been patrolling bars and restaurants to inform the public of the sexual assault. The suspect is also at large.

The attack occurred last Saturday after a woman stepped outside a bar on Holly Street and Colorado Boulevard to make a phone call.

A man approached the woman from behind. She thought she was about to be robbed and followed the man's orders. She followed him to an alley away from the main streets. That is where she says he attacked her sexually.

The suspect is described as a 30-40 year old Latino.

The attack, where violent crimes are rare, occurred last Saturday around 11:30 p.m. It's where a lot of women walk alone.

They told Fernandez they feel safe walking through Old Town. At least they did.

One man, Jung Gyu Yang said, "I always think of Pasadena as safe.  I hadn't heard about the attack. It's crazy."

Anaha Sanchez said she always walks in groups and she isn't going to start walking alone now. "We're always in groups. And we keep our phones on."

Hye Jung Yun, is a little more fearful now. "I'm so scared if I walk by myself. I don't want to walk without my husband."

Fernandez reported that the victim of last weekend's attack is working with police on a composite sketch of the suspect and it should be released soon.