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Organization: Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
Date: October 15, 2008
Public Safety Notice — Canyon Country
Public Safety Notice — The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is advising Canyon Country residents in the area of Hidaway Avenue and Soledad Canyon Road to be extra vigilant in reporting suspicious persons in the Santa Clara riverbed or loitering on or near the bicycle paths between Crossglade Avenue and Whites Canyon Road. Deputies have increased patrols and enforcement in the area after a woman reported that she was assaulted by an adult male who was armed with a knife last Thursday.
The woman was walking in the Santa Clara Riverbed wash area near the bicycle path at approximately 5:00 a.m. when the man, described only as a male, 5'05-5'06, 210 pounds, wearing a white T-shirt, a black windbreaker type jacket, and black pants approached her from behind. The man reportedly put his hand over the woman's mouth and held a knife to her. The woman screamed and fought with the attacker who threw her to the ground. The woman continued to struggle with the man, who then decided to run away. The woman was not injured. Deputies quickly responded and thoroughly searched the area, but the suspect was not located.
"The safety of the residents in the area is a number one priority," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. "I have directed extra patrols and resources into the area to ensure the highest visibility, the greatest level of protection, and an increased opportunity to catch this bold individual," he added.
Sheriff officials are advising residents to avoid walking alone in remote wash areas whenever possible and utilize frequently traveled and well-lighted walkways and pathways instead. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who are intent on committing crime.
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station officials are offering the following personal safety tips:
Always be alert and aware of the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark
Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics
Be aware of locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys, dark parking lots, and remote unlit or sparsely traveled walkways and pathways
Whenever possible, travel or walk with a friend
Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
Walk confidently, and at a steady pace
Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street when other risk factors are present, continue walking
If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and your body
Don't set a pattern — use different routes of travel and varying times when walking, exercising, or leaving your house or place of business
Immediately report suspicious persons or vehicles to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. -ref 18019 If You See Something, Say Something! Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847.
