COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — Police in Cottonwood Heights are searching for a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile female as she was running Monday night, and after the man groped the juvenile she was able to escape.
According to a press release from the Cottonwood Heights Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the area of 2700 East between 7000 South and 7100 South as the victim was running.
The release states the suspect appeared from behind a fence and confronted the victim before forcibly groping her as she attempted to pass him. The victim told the man to stop and was able to escape. She told police the man ran off in the opposite direction and disappeared.
Police responded, “within three minutes and deployed a K-9. The dog located a track but the suspect was not located,” according to the press release.
Police provided a sketch of the suspect and a description, stating the man is between 20 and 30 years old and about 6-feet, 2-inches tall. The man weighs about 215 pounds and was last seen wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, meaning the victim did not get a good look at his hair. She stated the man had a full beard that was red.
Police said at this time the attack appears to be an isolated incident and there are no other victims they are aware of.
Anyone who sees the suspect or who has information about the crime or is asked to call Det. Dan Morzelewski at 801-944-7047 or police dispatch at 801-840-4000. Tipsters are asked to reference CHPD case 15X005793.
