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Police Release Sketch Of Man Who Tried To Sexually Assault Griffith Park Hiker

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police Thursday released a sketch of a man who tried to sexually assault a female hiker in Griffith Park.

The incident happened around 10 a.m. Wednesday near Mount Hollywood Drive.

The woman was hiking when the suspect approached her and tried to grab her.

When she pushed him away, police said the man started to punch her and then attempted to sexually assault her.

The victim was able to get away.

The suspect was described as Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, in his 30s, with a light complexion, brown hair and a mustache. He was wearing a gray polo shirt, blue jeans, brown hiking shoes and was carrying a black backpack.

Patrols have been increased in Griffith Park due to the attack, reported KCAL9's Rachel Kim.

"This crime was an isolated incident, but our concerns is that it was very violent, it was a crime of opportunity and it was in a very isolated area in the Griffith Park area," LAPD Det. Michelle Gomez said.

Authorities urged hikers to be extra cautious.

"One of the major concerns in this incident was the lack of the cellphone towers. Our victim actually had to hike back up the hill in order to make a telephone call," Gomez said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the LAPD's Northeast Station at (323) 344-5731.

RELATED STORY:

Man Allegedly Tried To Sexually Assault Female Hiker In Griffith Park

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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