Sonoma County resident warns others of attack, attempted rape

SONOMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Sheriff's deputies in Sonoma County are warning runners to be on the lookout after a woman was violently attacked on a popular trail over the weekend.

RELATED: Police search for man who attacked jogger in Sonoma

It happened Sunday afternoon near Norbom Road and the Sonoma Overlook Trail.

Sonoma resident Lori Parmelee felt compelled to warn others following a Sunday afternoon attack. "I was horrified," she said.

She posted signs at the trail. "I saw some single women running and walking on the trail by themselves and I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't going to happen to somebody else," Parmelee told ABC7 News.

Sgt. Spencer Crum with the Sonoma County Sheriff's office says a 24-year-old woman ran the trail around 1:15 p.m. "He yelled at her first," said Crum. "He pushed her from the back, landed on top of her, tried to sexually assault her."

The woman fought back, got to her car, and called for help.

"We called in a K9 and a helicopter and deputies went and scoured the area," Crum continued. "We know that there's known homeless camps in the area."

The victim described the man as white, in his 50's with a scruffy beard and a homeless appearance.

"We get a couple of like homeless people, but normally just runners that we'll see," said Sonoma resident Meghan Triscell.

"This is a really safe city normally, so this is really out of character for this town, but we're suggesting that right now -- everybody just take precautions if you can run with a friend," Crum told ABC7 News.

If you see anyone matching the description, please contact the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office at (707) 565-2511.