Police release sketch of rape suspect

COSTA MESA -- Police released a composite sketch Tuesday of the man

suspected of raping a 26-year-old Costa Mesa woman Thursday night near

Harbor Boulevard and West Bay Street.

Authorities believe the suspect is a 35-year-old white male, 5 feet,

10-inches tall and 180 pounds, with closely shaved hair and a beard. He

was last seen wearing a black plaid jacket, a black T-shirt and

bluejeans.

According to a police report, the woman was walking home from work on

Harbor about 10:30 p.m. when the suspect forced her into a nearby car at

knifepoint.

He then drove her to the parking lot of an apartment complex in the

2000 block of Maple Street where he raped her inside the car, police

said. The suspect fled the scene in a green car, which police describe as

similar to a two-door Honda Del Sol.

Police have already received several tips about the incident, which

they are following.

Authorities warn women to be aware of their surroundings and don’t

walk alone in dimly lit areas.-- Eric C Sanitate