Tustin police search for suspect in assault on woman

Police in Orange County are searching for a man who grabbed a woman off a sidewalk and assaulted her.

The woman fought back and got away but, police want to catch this suspect before he strikes again.

People who live on the 15-hundred block of Mitchell Avenue say crime in the area has worsened over the last few years.

But neighbors say, they still felt safe walking up and down the street -- until Saturday around 6 a.m.

Tustin police say a man snuck up behind a woman walking eastbound on the street and tried to drag her off the sidewalk and take her clothes off, but she fought back.

During the assault, police say the suspect hit the woman in her face.

She continued to fight back until the he stopped and ran off.

Tustin police describe the suspect as a hispanic man, medium height and say he's around 25 to 35 years old and has black hair.

He was last seen wearing a red, zip-up hooded sweatshirt with Dickie-style pants, brown boots and carrying a black backpack with white lettering on it.

Neighbors say they hope police find the man soon because they're not just concerned for their safety, but kids' safety at a school and park just a block from where this assault took place.

Because the man ran away, Tustin pd doesn't believe there is a suspect vehicle.

The victim was treated at the scene for her minor injuries.

If you have any information regarding this incident you are asked to contact the Tustin Police Department.