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Why Did Police Withhold News Of Attempted Sexual Assault In Elk Grove?

ELK GROVE (CBS13) - Police say a woman out for a midday walk two weeks ago was the victim of a violent sexual attack in Elk Grove.

The suspect is still on the loose and the police department is facing criticism for not going public with is sooner.

The Elk Grove Police Department posts a crime summary each weekday on their website, but this incident was kept secret.

"I wouldn't think this would happen in our neighborhood," said Elk Grove resident Stu Edgcombe.

Residents are on edge after hearing a man attempted to sexually assault a 64-year-old woman walking down the street.

"It's very concerning; I might not feel safe taking a walk," said resident Becki Morgan.

The midday attack happened on Alpine Spring Way, just a block from Laguna Creek High School. The victim worked with a police sketch artist to create a drawing of the suspect.

"He pushed her to the ground and began pulling off her leggings. He then immediately began to lower his sweatpants, at which point the victim screamed for help. That startled the suspect and he fled on foot," said Chris Trim, an Elk Grove Police Department spokesperson.

Edgcombe says his wife was confronted by a similar-looking man.

"She was walking out to get the mail and a young male made a rude comment about her derriere," he said.

The attempted sexual attack happened more than two weeks ago on December 8. Some neighbors are concerned that police didn't immediately notify the public.

"I think information like that has to get out right away," he said.

"We had a right to know, so I think we should know earlier in the future," said Morgan.

"If it's a random attack, it's a good idea to let people know," said resident Chris Torres.

So why did police wait?

"We needed to make sure we got the information from the victim to develop enough information to have the community actually help us," Trim said.

"if it doesn't get out right away, the next thing you know he's doing it again," said Edgcombe.

Officers say they did go door to door in the neighborhood looking for surveillance video, but so far, they have few leads.

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