Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Police are searching for a suspect after a 5-year-old child was sexually assaulted Monday at Liberty Park.
The man, in his 30s, was hiding in the bushes near the water feature around 2:30 p.m. when he jumped out and began assaulting the young girl, Salt Lake Police Lt. Josh Scharman said. Bystanders intervened, but the man broke free and fled the park on a kid's-size silver bicycle before police arrived. He was last seen heading westbound on 1300 South.
"We're very fortunate that several bystanders and parents were right there and where able to physically stop him," Scharman said.
Scharman said police are concerned about the brazen nature of the attack, which occurred during the middle of the day with a high number of witnesses nearby.
"This is something that doesn't really happen in Liberty Park," he said.
Police are asking that anyone who witnessed the attack or may be able to identify the individual contact the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000.
The man is described as a white adult man, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with gaunt, sunken facial features and light brown hair with a mustache and beard. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, denim cutoffs and dress shoes.
Email:benwood@ksl.com
