Investigators release a sketch of a man they said tried to sexually assault a North County student.
The alleged assault took place about 7 a.m. Wednesday on a pathway used as a shortcut by Vista High School students near the 1300 block of East Indian Rock Road, according to Vista sheriff's deputies.
The man approached the Vista High student from behind, grabbed her, pulled her down, punched her in the face and told her to remove her pants, investigators said. The attacker broke off the assault and fled on foot when some other students approached.
Authorities told the North County Times they believe the man intended to rape the girl.
Deputies are searching for a suspect described as either a white or Latino man who is between 18 and 23. He is 5 feet 7 inches and 5 foot 9 inches tall, weighs 150 to 170 pounds and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, possibly brown in color, and blue jeans. He had tan skin and his eyes may be hazel.
Deputies said the same man is believed to have approached but not assaulted another girl just moments prior, the North County Times reported.
Anyone with information about Wednesday's incident or who may have had a similar experience with the suspect is urged to call the sheriff's department at 858-565-5200.
