DETROIT – Detroit police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl on the city's west side.
The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday when the victim was walking to school in the area of Burt and Davidson roads.
Police said a man approached the victim and asked her if she wanted to make some money. When the victim declined his offer, the assailant grabbed her and attempted to drag her into an abandoned building.
Linda Russell is credited in helping the 14-year-old victim break free from the predator.
"He would have taken that little girl if I wasn't there. He really would have," Russell said. "Because if he didn't get this one, he's going to get someone else's daughter, and that's very scary."
She's pleased to see the Detroit Police Department is finally alerting the community of the lurking predator.
Friday night when Local 4 News asked Chief James Craig why an alert didn't go out sooner, he admitted mistakes were made.
"I got to tell you the ball was dropped," Craig said. "I'm not happy. In fact, I'm angry."
The chief has launched an internal investigation into the delay of telling the community.
"This probably is not his first time," Craig said. "So we have an obligation and responsibility to alert the public."
Detectives handed out fliers Saturday. They also interviewed the victim and Russell. It's all an effort to keep everyone safe.
Detroit police said the assailant is described to be a black man in his mid-30s, 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. The victim said the assailant was sporting a bushy mustache and drove a white Dodge Ram with black and chrome mirrors.
If anyone has information on the identity of the assailant, contract Detroit police at 313-596-1960 or 800-SPEAK-UP.