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Lowell police searching for suspect after attempted rape

LOWELL, Mass. — Police in Lowell are investigating after a teenage girl was assaulted during an attempted rape behind a home Tuesday.

A neighbor says the victim is in her early teens and was crying for help when the attack happened around 4 p.m.

Investigators say the teen was walking home in the area of 13th Street when the suspect grabbed her and pulled her behind a home. The teen was able to fight off her attacker to break free and scream for help.

A woman who was pulling up into her driveway, saw the frantic teen and called police who showed up minutes later.

“She was crying and couldn't breathe, breathing very heavy,” Emily Brennan said. “I said 'what's happening?' She said 'he was trying to rape me.'”

People who have lived in the area for a long time say this is very concerning.

“I'll have my kids inside. They like to play to here on the sidewalk. Definitely not going to let them outside. I will be supervising them at all times,” Maria Perez said.

The suspect is a light-skinned man in his late teens or early 20s with a mole or birthmark on the side of his face. He also will have scratches on his neck area.

Police are working on a sketch and asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect.

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