Woman escapes would-be rapist in Pasadena

PASADENA -- A man armed with a knife grabbed a woman in an apparent rape attempt last week in Pasadena, police said Sunday.
The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. Friday as a 22-year-old Pasadena woman was walking on Del Mar Boulevard, between Michigan and Wilson avenues, Pasadena police said in a written statement.
The woman heard a man running up behind her tried to run away from him, police said, but the man caught up with her.
"The suspect grabbed her and brandished a knife as he pushed her toward a nearby alcove," the statement said.
When the woman screamed to a person standing nearby for help, officials said, the attacker released the woman and fled.
Officers searched the area but could not find the man, police added. He was described as Latino, about 30 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 180 pounds. He had black hair and wore a blue shirt, jeans and a white baseball cap with blue vertical stripes.
The the attack appeared to be an "isolated incident," police reminded residents to always be aware of their surroundings.
"When possible," police said, "enjoy walks during daylight or with a friend during the evenings."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.