Police Seek Suspect After Attempted East Austin Sexual Assault

AUSTIN, TX — Police are seeking help from the public in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in the sexual assault of a woman on Wednesday morning in East Austin.

The incident occurred along the 500 block of South Pleasant Valley Road across from the Krieg Softball Complex at around 6:35 a.m., police said in a press advisory. The victim was running along the hike-and-bike trail when she was grabbed behind by a suspect who tried to pull down her shorts, police said, adding the woman sustained injuries during a physical altercation with the suspect after both fell to the ground.

The suspect fled the scene by running north along the trail following the attack, according to the police account. Given the dim lighting of early morning, a physical description of the suspect is vague. The victim provided police the following description of the attacker:

• Light-skinned male (possibly white or Hispanic).
• Approximately 5 feet, six inches tall.
• Heavy build.
• Last seen wearing a shirt with the sleeves cut off believed to be light in color with no writing or logo and possibly jeans.

It's unknown if the suspect sustained injuries, but the victim reported punching and possibly scratching the suspect. "The victim in this case did an excellent job of fighting back," police wrote in their advisory, offering tips for others to prevent being victimized:

• Fight, yell, scream, draw attention to the situation.
• Exercise with a partner/group of people in well-lit areas if possible.
• Avoid wearing earphones in both ears so you can hear what is happening.
• Remain situationally aware about where you are and who is around.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Let others know what route you’re taking and when to expect you back.

Related stories:

• Suspect Sought In Attempted Sexual Attack In South Austin
• Leander Police Seek Sexual Assault Suspect
• Suspect Sought In Attempted Sexual Assault In North Austin

Those with information about this incident is asked to call the APD Sex Crimes Unit at (512) 974-5230 or 9-1-1 if they see the suspect. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.