Authorities Release Sketch Of North County Attempted Rape Suspect

VISTA, CA – Authorities on Wednesday asked the public's help in identifying and finding a man wanted for attempted rape in North County.

The suspect rode up behind the victim on a black BMX-style bicycle and made lewd comments to her as she was walking in a commercial area in the 800 block of Civic Center Drive in Vista at about 1 p.m. on June 11, according to officials with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Attempting to escape the harassment, the 18-year-old woman went into a nearby business and waited until she no longer could see the man outside. She then resumed her walk through the neighborhood.

A short time later, the suspect rode up behind the woman again, this time grabbing her buttocks and saying he was going to take her somewhere and have sex with her, officials said. That's when the suspect grabbed the victim.

After the victim started screaming and struggling, the suspect rode off on his bike, officials said. He was last seen heading toward Eucalyptus Avenue.

The suspect was described as a roughly 5-foot-6, 150-pound white or light-skinned Latino man in his early 20s. The man had a thin build and short, thick and wavy hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and dark pants.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Image via San Diego County Sheriff's Department