Police Search for Man that Attacked Woman with Knife - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Police Search for Man that Attacked Woman with Knife

By: Melissa Toupin

mtoupin@abc6.com

Attleboro Police spent much of the afternoon searching the wooded area behind a Starkey Ave. business for a man who allegedly assaulted a woman with a knife.

Investigators say around 1:30 an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been walking in the alley near the Municipal Parking Garage when she was confronted by a man. She told officers he took her at knife point and forced her to drive to the Fortifiber Plant. The woman was reportedly sexually assaulted.

She was able to flee and ran towards Pleasant St. The woman was transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released. Her car was located in the woods behind the business along the rail road tracks.

Trains passing through the area were slowed as a precaution. Police focused their search for the suspect on the area between Starkey Ave. and Lindsey St.

A perimeter was set up between Starkey Avenue and Lindsey Street and an extensive search was conducted. Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and K-9 Units were called into assist.

The search was called off around 4:30. The suspect has not been caught.

He is described as a white male in his early 20's, approximately 5'8" to 5'9" tall, clean-shaven.  He was wearing a gray or black hooded sweatshirt.

Attleboro Police are urging caution as the suspect is presumed to still have the knife. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Attleboro Police Detective Division at 508-222-1212.