Girl Fights Back, Thwarts Attacker

A 17-year-old girl scared off an attacker early Tuesday by kicking him in the shin and punching him in the nose, Anaheim police said.

The girl, who was unharmed, told police she was walking to school near Lincoln Avenue and Muller Street and listening to a cassette player about 8:25 a.m. when she was grabbed from behind by a man.

The girl fought him off, then ran a couple of blocks to Gilbert High School, where she is a student, and told a counselor what happened. Police were notified, and a search for the man ensued, but he was still at large late Tuesday.

Anaheim Police Sgt. Joe Vargas said the attack is a warning to pedestrians who use headphones that they should keep the volume low.

“You can still hear it when you turn it down,” he said. “A car pulled right up next to her, and she didn’t hear it.”

The attacker was described as Latino, 5 feet, 5 inches tall, heavyset, 45 to 50 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing a light blue long-sleeved shirt and driving a maroon 1980s Ford sedan, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Anaheim Police Department, (714) 765-1900.