Police Warn Norwood Residents After Abduction Attempt
NORWOOD (CBS) - Norwood Police are searching for a man who assaulted a 20-year-old woman as she walked out of an apartment complex on her way to work early Friday morning. Police say the man, dressed distinctively in black, was walking toward the woman on Buckminster Drive when he suddenly grabbed her.
"As they passed each other, he put his arm around her neck, got her in a headlock, and a struggle ensued," said Norwood detective Richard Giacoppa. "She started screaming to defend herself and break free from the hold."
Defend herself, she did, with defensive wounds on her hands. "She had something in her hand and she was using it to hit him. I can't comment on what it was because that's part of the investigation, but she had something in her hand," said Giacoppa.
It was enough to break free, but police say she fell to the ground and that's when the attacker grabbed her by the ankle and tried to pull her into nearby bushes. A neighbor across the street heard the woman's screams, and police say when he opened a window the commotion was enough to scare the man off. "Anybody who finds themselves in that situation should make as much noise as they can and don't go easy," said Giacoppa.
The attacker is described as a white male in his mid to late twenties. Police are urging residents in the area to be more cautious when they're out walking, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
Neighbor Maria Malpignano says she'll now walk her dog a little earlier than usual. "To be out when it's lighter instead of waiting until it's dark. It is pretty dark around here at night," she said.
