A sexual-assault suspect remains at large after an LA Fitness employee in the San Diego suburb of Escondido, CA, reported she was attacked as she was closing the club.
The alleged incident took place May 27 around 10 p.m., numerous media outlets reported. The suspect allegedly hid inside the LA Fitness (TV station Fox 5 San Diego reports he hid in the kids club) before jumping out and surprising the employee.
"The suspect punched the victim, knocked her to the ground and began to pull at her clothing," Escondido police said in a news release. "The victim fought back and broke free. The suspect then fled the building."
The employee called 9-1-1, and police arrived at the scene in about 4 minutes. Police said a search by numerous officers and the San Diego County Sheriff Department's helicopter was unsuccessful. A sketch of the suspect was released on Thursday.
The employee was treated and released from a local hospital for a back abrasion and a complaint of pain.
Officials at LA Fitness, Irvine, CA, did not have any further information about the incident when contacted by Club Industry.