A man wielding a large knife allegedly forced a woman into a car in Clairemont overnight and sexually assaulted her, police said.
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) confirmed the violent attack was reported around 3:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Shawline Street and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The suspect threatened the victim with a 7-inch knife and forced her to get into a car. She was then sexually assaulted, sex crimes detectives said.
According to investigators, the suspect was driving a maroon pickup truck, but no further description was immediately released.
The suspect may have been a repeat offender, out of jail after a similar, prior offense, officials said.
"That's even more scary, having a knife or weapon to scare people, to sexually harass them," said Mana Khagavi, a resident of the area. "It's a nightmare for so many ladies here."
Another resident, Michelle Johnston, told NBC 7 their neighborhood is normally a safe one, where they watch out for each other.
"I do hope they catch him and bring him to task, bring him to justice," said Johnston.
Local
The victim was later released and was interviewed by police. The suspect remains at large.
