Police were searching for a man who trailed a woman in a Ralph's grocery store before following her home and attempting to sexually assault her, Tustin police said.
On Feb. 24, the victim, a woman in her 50s, was shopping in the grocery store at 13321 Jamboree Road around 6:30 p.m.
Surveillance images show the woman didn't realize she was being followed by a man in the store as she shopped.
When the woman arrived home with groceries in hand, he came up from behind and grabbed her around the waist, police said.
The woman did not know the man was trailing her until the incident occurred. He never tried to strike up a conversation or approach her prior to the incident.
She fought him off, and bit the man to get away, police said.
"He grabs from behind, around the waist and they are struggling there, and during that struggle she's able to fight back and he flees," Lt. Robert Wright of Tustin police said.
Police describe the man as a white male, 5-feet 8-inches tall, 20-30 years old, with a thin build, and very short curly brown hair.
He was driving a two-door silver Scion.
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The incident had customers who shop frequently at the Ralph's store concerned.
"I think you need to trust your gut especially if you're alone or depending on the time of day," Cindy Levin said. "I'd rather have that than something like this."
Anyone with information on the attack or man is encouraged to call Tustin police at (714) 573-3250.
