Crime & Safety

Woman Fights Off Attacker with Pepper Spray

Police are looking for a 6 foot tall man in a light blue beanie, blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans who grabbed a woman and tried to put his hand down her skirt Tuesday night.

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.

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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.

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