Santa Ana PD seeks sex assault suspect who entered through victim's window

SANTA ANA, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - Police on Wednesday released a composite sketch of an intruder who attempted to sexually assault a woman in her Santa Ana apartment, but was scared off by the victim's mother.

The attempted assault happened about 2 a.m. Sunday in the 3200 block of South Main Street, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

"I'm surprised. I've been here for seven years. And I'm surprised that happened and no one has said anything," said Elvia Concha, who lives near the targeted apartment.

The victim, who is in her 20s, heard a noise at her front window and saw the suspect standing outside, he said. The suspect had removed the screen and ordered the woman to the window, indicating he had a gun and threatening to shoot her if she did not comply, Bertagna said.

When the woman refused, he crawled through the window and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim's mother heard the commotion, and when she saw what was happening, she screamed, prompting the suspect to run away, Bertagna said.

Officers on Wednesday were handing out copies of the sketch in the neighborhood where the attack happened, which is mostly apartment buildings, he said.

The suspect was described as Latino, 25 to 30 years old, about 5-foot-9 and weighing 170 to 190 pounds, with short, dark hair and a mustache.

Elias Paz's mother lives in the complex. Now he and many others fearful the man could strike again. "I say it's fairly easy, it's not that hard," said Paz.

"Just jump the fence and you'll be in. If people leave the back door open, it's easy for them to get in," said Concha.

With summer nights being so warm, police warn if you're sleeping on the ground floor - lock your windows.

Anyone with information about his identity was asked to call detectives at (714) 245-8378. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.

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