Woman taken by knifepoint, assaulted

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) -- Attleboro police are hoping a sketch will help them track down a man they say kidnapped a woman at knifepoint and then sexually assaulted her.

Police were called to a parking lot on Starkey Ave. around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 after receiving reports a man had assaulted a woman with a knife.

During the investigation, police learned the man kidnapped the woman at knifepoint, drove her to the parking lot, and sexually assaulted her.

Police say the woman was able to get away, and was helped by at least one concerned citizen.

According to a description provided by police, the suspect was:

• Thin, white man in early 20s
• About 5'8" to 6' tall
• Clean-shaven with short blondish-colored hair
• Wearing a gray or black hooded sweatshirt

According to police, the suspect told the victim he served a tour of duty in Afghanistan while in the military, and that he lost a loved one in that war. He also stated he has family in the Attleboro area, but doesn't associate with them.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, recognizes the man in the sketch, or has any other related information is asked to call the Attleboro Police Detective Division at 508-222-1212