A 23-year-old woman fought off a man with pepper spray after he grabbed her and tried to put his hand down her skirt Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. at Mission and Laurel streets.
The woman said he came up behind her as she got out of her car and put her in a bear hug and molested her. She sprayed him with pepper spray and he ran off.
Police called in Watsonville's police dog and a search team but couldn't find the man. The woman wasn't hurt and didn't get medical attention.Police are trying to find out whether there have been similar attacks in the area.
The suspect is described as 30-35, 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans, a blue-hooded jacket and a light blue beanie.
Investigators are asking that anyone that saw this suspect in the area to contact Investigations at 831-420-5820 or leave a tip via their mobile apps or website, www.santacruzpolice.com.
