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Police Investigate Sexual Assault In Caln Township

By Diana Rocco

CALN Twp., Pa., (CBS) -- A Chester County community is on alert after police say a 16-year-old was sexually assaulted near a school.

Police in Caln Township, Chester County are looking for this man.

Caln Township Sexual Assault, Attempted Robbery
(credit: Caln Township Police Department)

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They say he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old near Coatesville High School Wednesday morning.

"There's a considerable amount of kids that walk this area in addition to school buses coming in and out," grandparent and neighbor Joe Clark said. "For the most part we try not to let them travel by themselves."

"That really scares me," neighbor Holly Snoots said.

The victim was walking on a wooded trail between 8 and 10 a.m. at the intersection of North 11th Avenue and Foundry Street when police say the man attempted to rob the victim, and then attacked the victim. Holly Snoots has a 15-year-old daughter who sometimes walks the same trail.

"She will definitely be catching that bus, I will even talk to my neighbors," she said.

An email went home to parents Thursday and police have released a sketch.

"I was shocked. It's hard to believe this stuff happens," parent Lisa Boninu said.

But it has left many uncomfortable with their kids walking to and from school, only in its first week.

"She knows you don't walk alone, you always travel in groups," Boninu said.

"The kids aren't safe walking to school, I mean, what else can they do?" parent Jane Walton said.

The man is described as in his early 30's with a mustache, about 5'9" with a thin build weighing about 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Because of the close proximity to Coatesville High School, police have notified all of the schools in the area. They are asking parents to talk to their children and asking anyone with information to give them a call at 610-383-1821 or 911.

 

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