Early morning walk takes a dangerous turn.

A woman was assaulted last Thursday as she was taking an
early-morning walk in the Santa Clara Riverbed near the bike path between Crossglade
Avenue and Whites Canyon
Road in Canyon Country.

The woman reported that a man described as being around 5’5”-5’6”
in height and weighing about 210 approached her from behind, put his hand over
her mouth and held a knife to her. The woman screamed and fought with the man,
who threw her to the ground, where they struggled before the man ran away. The
woman was not injured and deputies responding to the area searched, but could not
find her attacker, who was wearing black pants, a black windbreaker and a white
T-shirt.

 The Santa Clarita
Valley Sheriff's Station is advising Canyon Country residents in the area of Hidaway
Avenue and Soledad Canyon
Road to be extra vigilant in reporting suspicious
persons in the Santa Clara riverbed
or loitering on or near the bicycle paths between Crossglade
Avenue and Whites Canyon
Road.  Deputies have increased patrols and
enforcement in the area.

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"The safety of the residents in the area is a number
one priority," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley
Sheriff's Station.  "I have directed extra patrols and resources into
the area to ensure the highest visibility, the greatest level of protection,
and an increased opportunity to catch this bold individual," he
added. 

Sheriff officials are advising residents to avoid walking alone
in remote wash areas whenever possible and utilize frequently traveled and
well-lighted walkways and pathways instead.  By taking a few simple
precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who
are intent on committing crime. 

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station officials are
offering the following personal safety tips:

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you,
  especially if you are alone or it is dark
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make 
  you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys, dark parking lots, and remote unlit or
  sparsely traveled walkways and pathways
• Whenever possible, travel or walk with a friend
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
• Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• Walk confidently, and at a steady pace
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street
  when other risk factors are present, continue walking
• If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and
  your body
• Don't set a pattern – use different routes of travel and
  varying times when walking, exercising, or leaving your house or place of
  business
• Immediately report suspicious persons or vehicles to the
  Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact
the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.