Stranger ambushes woman, beats with her own cane

SAN DIEGO

San Diego police are hoping someone can help them identify a man who ambushed a 59-year-old woman as she walked along La Jolla Shores last week, seriously beating her — including with her own cane — then running off.

The victim was walking in the sand just before 5 a.m. June 3 when she was suddenly tackled from behind without warning, according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers, which is working with San Diego police to solve the case.

The assailant used wrestling techniques to keep the struggling woman down as he repeatedly punched her face, Crime Stoppers said.

Authorities said he covered her mouth and nose, and twisted her neck so violently she thought he was trying to smother her and break her neck.

The stranger also grabbed the victim’s cane and used it to beat her head and face, police said.

A passerby called 911 when he saw the man beating her, police said last week. The caller said the assailant fled as he approached to intervene.

The victim suffered several injuries but they were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.

Police said she described her assailant as about 5-feet, 7-inches tall with a muscular build and short dark hair. She said he wore all black: sweatpants, sweatshirt and leather fingerless gloves.

He probably had cuts and bruises after the attack, and he may have bite marks on his fingers, authorities said.

Police are asking tipsters who may be able to help them identify the assailant to call the Northern Division at (858) 552-1718.

Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by calling (888) 580-8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.org.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.