Police Release Composite Drawing of Attempted Rape Suspect

UPDATE- Several news organizations have described the suspect in this case as being 5'10" tall. Police say the suspect is described as 5'05"-5'8" tall. They also want to be clear about the possibility that he suffered some scratches during the struggle with the victim. He may have fresh scratches, either from the berry bushes or from the victim.

Image: Salem Police detectives

(SALEM) - The 14 year old victim of an attempted rape worked with investigators today to develop a composite drawing of the attacker. The crime occurred Sunday night just before 9:00 PM on Portland Rd near Beach St N.E. Police investigators say the victim had an argument with her mother and left home to walk to her friend's house. As she entered the sidewalk under the railroad trestle on Portland Rd, she was attacked by a man who tried to rape her.

The two struggled for several minutes before the attacker fled, possibly spooked by two pedestrians who were walking toward them. The girl ran to the pedestrians who assisted her in calling 911. The pedestrians did not see the suspect. The victim was transported to the Salem Hospital where she was treated for cuts and bruises and released. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 20-30 years of age, 5'5"-5'8" tall with dark brown or black hair and a thin mustache. The attack took place near some blackberry bushes overgrowing the sidewalk. The victim sustained several scratches from these bushes and it's possible the suspect may also have fresh scratches. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Rob McCracken, 503-588-6050 ext 7146.