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SALT LAKE CITY — A woman stabbed outside Faustina restaurant one week ago was not the victim of a violent robbery, but the target of a brutal assault, Salt Lake City police said Tuesday.
Police initially reported on March 19 that a white male was trying to steal a woman's bag. There was a struggle between the two as the woman held onto her bag. However, after further investigation, police believe the man was not after the woman's bag, but that he wanted to hurt, possibly even kill her.
The attack happened near the Faustina restaurant near 450 E. 300 South around 8 p.m. on March 19. The victim, who did not want to be identified, was walking along Denver Street, heading home from the library when she sensed someone running up behind her.
The woman said she moved aside for the runner, but was punched in the back of the head several times. She also received several stab wounds in the neck and was eventually stabbed in the face during the struggle. The woman thought that the man was using a steak knife during the assault.
- White Male
- Thin
- About 5'10
- Wavy, brown hair
- Facial hair
The victim eventually managed to fight back and scream, causing the suspect to run off.
Police said on Tuesday that it was an unprovoked attack on the victim, and that people need to be mindful of their surroundings because the attacker has still not be identified.
"We don't want people to be paranoid in downtown Salt Lake City," said a representative of the SLCPD. "Yet at the same time, we want people to be alert to their surroundings, looking around, take personal protective measures, keep your head on a swivel, that type of thing."
The description of the attacker is vague because the victim said she was too worried about being stabbed in the eyes to look closely at him. She said he was a thin, white male about 5'10", with wavy brown hair and facial hair.
Police said there have not been any other reported attacks with a similar suspect description.
An account has been set up at Mountain America Credit Union under the name Female Assault Victim Fund.*
*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.