Modesto police release sketch of park assault suspect

MODESTO -- Modesto police on Saturday morning released a sketch of the attacker in Thursday afternoon's violent sexual assault in Mancini Park.

According to police, the woman was visiting the south Modesto park with her children, ages 1 and 8, when a man approached them and without warning punched her, pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

An elderly woman nearby saw the assault and quickly grabbed the children as she ran to call for help.

The man fled into a residential neighborhood west of the park. He is described as a black male adult, in his 30s, last seen wearing a black tank top and shorts.

Police, a canine unit, and several Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies assisted in the search for the man, but did not find him.

The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition, police said. Both children are safe with family members.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the attacker. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward. Tipsters can text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a message to 274637. Type "TIP704" along with the message.