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Police Searching For Man Who Allegedly Abducted Teen At Knifepoint Walking Home From School

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police are continuing the search for a suspect who allegedly kidnapped a 16-year-old girl on her way home from school in South Los Angeles last week.

Detectives released a composite sketch Monday in hopes of identifying the suspect, who allegedly forced the teen into a white U-Haul van at knifepoint as she walked home from Fremont High School.

The incident happened Thursday evening shortly after 6 p.m. at Gage Avenue and San Pedro Street, Los Angeles police said.

LAPD have withheld details about the teen's ordeal, saying only that she was driven to another location where the suspect attempted to sexually assault her, before driving her to an alley where she was able to escape.

In an earlier broadcast report, a witness said the victim was found running down the alley, naked and doused with gasoline, her mouth taped shut.

Authorities have not released any details about her reported rescue.

The suspect is described as a black man with black hair and a dark complexion, between the ages of 20 and 33. He is believed to be 5-foot-7 and weigh approximately 170 pounds.

His vehicle is described as a white cargo van with U-Haul markings and the numbers '19.95' on the rear of the van. The vehicle reportedly has two doors to the rear and on the passenger side.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is urged to contact LAPD at a 24-hour, toll-free number: 877-LAPD-247 (877-527-3247) or email rhd-sas@lapd.lacity.org. 

Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

RELATED: Search On For Man Who Allegedly Forced Teen Into Van At Knifepoint

(©2014 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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