Homeless man attacks 70-year-old woman on popular hiking trail in Valencia

(FOX 11) - A popular hiking trail in Valencia became a nightmare on Tuesday morning for an elderly woman after she was attacked by a homeless man.

Two Good Samaritans came to her rescue, one a retired police officer, riding along the South Fork River Trail this morning near Auto Center Drive and Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, stopped to help an elderly woman when they saw a man standing over her as she lay unconscious on the ground.

The 70 year-old elderly woman had gone on a walk along the trail when the suspect, Colton Ford, a 29 year-old Caucasian male and local transient, approached her and began to strangle her, rendering her unconscious. The retired police officer and Good Samaritan stopped the suspect's attack and detained him, pending the arrival of deputies as they called 9-1-1.

Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived and rendered aid to the victim who was transported to a local hospital where she is listed in fair condition.

The suspect was arrested and transported to Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station where he was booked for attempted murder. He is being held in lieu of two million dollars bail.

If not for the quick action of the two Good Samaritans, the outcome of this incident could have been much worse. We are proud to be partnering with our community, being aware and watching out for one another. We encourage our community partners to report any suspicious activity and if they see something, to say something.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Santa Clarita Valley Station, Detective Elsee at 661-255-1121. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the "P3 Tips" Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.