Police release sketch of Escondido gym assault suspect
ESCONDIDO (CNS) – Escondido police Friday circulated a composite sketch of a man who beat an LA Fitness employee while attempting to sexually assault her as she was closing the business.
The man hid inside a children’s play area at the business at 362 W. El Norte Parkway and waited until around 10 p.m. Tuesday to jump out and surprise the woman, according to Escondido police.
“(He) punched the victim, knocked her to the ground and began to pull at her clothing,” police said in a statement. “The victim fought back and broke free (and) the suspect fled the building.”
The victim was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where she was treated for minor injuries, including an abrasion to her back, police said.
Police described the assailant as Hispanic, around 35-45 years old, 5 feet 5 and heavyset, with a shaved head and a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He also had a tattoo of a cross on his left ring finger, police said, adding that at the time of the attack, he was wearing a white tank top, black shorts, black high top tennis shoes and white knee high socks.
Anyone with information about the man’s identity was asked to call police at (760) 839-4717. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can do so online at www.police.escondido.org or by calling (760) 743-8477.
