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Police Release Sketch Of Suspected San Rafael Prowler

SAN RAFAEL (CBS 5) -- Police in San Rafael released a sketch of a prowler who attacked two young women in their apartment Tuesday night. Meanwhile, new details have emerged about how the women fought back.

According to police, a man armed with a knife broke into an apartment on the 200 block of Playa del Rey around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night. The intruder confronted the two women, age 18 and 19, while they were watching a movie in their bedroom.

"She just felt like she was in a fight for her life," spokesperson Margo Rohrbacher of the San Rafael Police Department told CBS 5. "He terrorized these young women."

A struggle occurred between the 19-year-old student and the suspect while the 18-year-old called 911, police said. The confrontation moved from the bedroom, down the stairs, and through the house.

The struggle ended outside the apartment at a carport, with the suspect being stabbed multiple times with his own knife, in the face and upper body. The suspect was able to get away.

"We missed him by just a few minutes," Rohrbacher said.

The suspect is being described by police as a Hispanic male, 18-25 years old, between 5'4"-5'7" with a thin build. According to police, he has dark skin, high cheekbones, and prominent ears. The suspect also has dark circular spots on both cheeks.

Police said the man suffered substantial injuries to his face. Bay Area hospitals have been warned to look out for a man matching the suspect's description if he seeks medical attention. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

The girl who fought off the attacker was treated for minor injuries, police said. Her roommate was not hurt in the incident.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Sgt. Mike Vergara of the San Rafael police at (415) 485-3195 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Callers can remain anonymous. Tips can also be made online at bayareacrimestoppers.org or the police department's Silent Witness tip form at www.srpd.org/tips.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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