Man attempts to abduct jogger

A female jogger escaped a kidnapping attempt early Tuesday morning after she bit a man who tried to pull her into his vehicle in west Carson City, police said.

"She stated that on her route she crossed Minnesota Street at Washington Street and she was attacked," said Carson City Sheriff's Sgt. Bob White.

According to the police report, the woman said it was still dark outside about 5:30 a.m. as she jogged near the Minnesota and Washington streets intersection, about five blocks north of an elementary school.

She told police she saw a vehicle with its headlights off pull into the parking lot of a dentist's office there.

White said the woman was suspicious of the vehicle, but continued her jog. Then the man "jumped out of the vehicle after parking at the dental office and came at her very quickly from across the street."

White said the man dragged the woman across the street and was trying to shove her into his car, demanding sex, when she bit his hand as he held it across her mouth to keep her quiet.

The man then let the victim go and got back into his car and raced from the scene, White said.

The woman, whose age wasn't available, reported the incident about 6:30 a.m. after running home.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic or black man, ranging in age from 20 to 25. He is about 6 feet tall, clean shaven, with short dark hair and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.

The vehicle was described as gray or silver in color and similar in design to a Honda Accord. The woman was unable to give police a license-plate number.

Sheriff Kenny Furlong said its was the first case of its kind in Carson City in recent memory, and he offered some tips for joggers.

"Jog in known areas, be alert to anyone who is following you and, if you have the ability, take a cell phone with you. Jog with friends. Report any unusual circumstances immediately to police."

n Anyone with information is asked to call the Carson City Sheriff's Department at 887-2020, ext. 1400; or the dispatch center's nonemergency number at 887-2007.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.