KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-69 year-old Woman Sexually Assaulted in Santa Cruz

69 year-old Woman Sexually Assaulted in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ , Calif- A 69- year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home on Wednesday morning.

Santa Cruz Police Department officers responded to a sexual assault that had occurred in the 100 Block of West Cliff Drive. Officers learned the vicitm was at home between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. when an unknown assailant entered her home and sexually assaulted her. According to the victim, the suspect entered through an unlocked door wearing a ski mask, bound, gagged and sexually assaulted her.

Once the suspect left she was able to free herself and drove to a friend's house to seek help.

No weapon was seen during the attack. It is unclear which direction the suspect fled or whether he fled on foot or some other method.

Santa Cruz Police have every available detective on scene, where they are expected to remain for the rest of the day. The department has requested specialists from the state Department of Justice to aid in the processing of the crime scene.

Investigators canvassed the area and no known video is in the general vicinity of the attack.

The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. She sustained injuries to her face consistent to being struck by suspect. The department's victim advocate is with the victim along with the lead sexual assault investigator and local social service providers.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident is encouraged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Section at (831) 420-5820. To leave ANONYMOUS information, please call our TIP LINE (831) 420-5995.