Austin Police Increase Downtown Patrol as Sexual Assault Suspect Remains on the Loose

Austin police are stepping up its patrol downtown after they say a man attacked a woman early Sunday morning, sexually assaulted her, then fled.  They have not found the suspect.

Police say the woman left Malaia on East 6th Street around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.  Detectives say earlier in the evening she attended a work function, and wasn't parked close to the bar.  She walked about 20 blocks back to her car in the 900 block of West 2nd, taking the path of 6th Street to Lamar, over to 2nd Street near Lamar and Cesar Chavez.  That's when, detectives say, the man who she'd first seen near Lamar and 6th, came up from behind, covered her mouth, and told her he needed sex.

The woman did not give up easily, according to a detective who spoke with reporters on Tuesday.  She struggled with the man, described as a thin built Hispanic man, while she talked with him.  Stephen Andreini said that act alone may have shortened the assault.

"Just trying to make herself a person to him," he said.  "She tried to talk to him.  Finally he tried to get his jeans off but was unable to.  As the victim continued to fight, he told her to turn over.  She was even more scared at that point, then he ran off heading back toward Lamar."

According to Andreini, the man never got further than attempting to unbutton his jeans, but he was able to digitally penetrate her after he took her underwear off.  He had threatened her life in what little English he could speak, leaving his victim terrified for her life.

Police want your help.  They say the man pulled the woman into a field on West 2nd.  Although they say the area is desolate in the early morning hours, the field where the assault occurred is near Cesar Chavez and a new apartment building.  They ask for help from anyone who may have seen anything.  In the meantime, they say this is a random act and fear if the suspect isn't apprehended soon, he may victimize someone else.

Police say in the past 18 months, there have been 15 sexual assaults and one aggravated sexual assault in the downtown area.  Police urge people to use the buddy system when walking downtown.  Also, if it's possible, park closely to the area where you will end the night.

The man is said to stand 5'4" to 5'5", weigh 145 lbs, is clean shaven and has long black hair.  (The sketch doesn't accurately portray the suspect's hair, and the victim told police he looked as if he just got out of bed with messy hair).  Call 512-974-5095 with information.