Search On For Man Who Allegedly Forced Teen Into Van At Knifepoint, Doused Her With Gasoline

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are searching for a man they say tried to sexually assault a teenage girl in South Los Angeles.

The 16-year-old was walking home from Fremont High School when a black male allegedly forced the girl into a white van at knifepoint, Los Angeles police said in a written statement.

One broadcast report said the victim was also found, naked and doused with gasoline with her mouth taped shut.

The incident happened Thursday evening shortly after 6 p.m. at Gage Avenue and San Pedro Street.

The man then allegedly took the girl to another location where he tried to sexually assault her, police said.

According to the statement, "he then drove her to an alley in the area of Imperial Highway and New Hampshire Avenue where the victim was able run from the suspect and escaped."

The suspect weighs about 170 pounds and is between the ages of 20-33, police said. The suspect vehicle is a cargo van with two back doors. The van had U-HAUL and the numbers 19.95 on the back, according to police.

Anyone with more information about this case was asked to call 877-LAPD-247.