Woman uses pepper spray during attack, attempted sexual assault

Bloomington police are investigating a reported attack and attempted sexual assault that occurred sometime before 1:50 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Seventh and Grant streets.

A 21-year-old woman told investigators she was walking home from Kilroy’s Bar and Grill at about 1 a.m.

She had walked to the intersection of Seventh and Grant streets when a male approached her and asked for directions, Lt. Bill Parker said.

The woman tried to maneuver around the man, whom she described as white with poor complexion, short matted brown hair and wearing blue jeans.

Parker said the man stopped her in her place, grabbed her by the hair and wrestled her to the ground. He managed to pull down the woman’s leggings and underwear, Parker said.

She was able to access pepper spray and used the spray on the man. She told police it took two uses of the spray in order for the man to become incapacitated.

Parker said she then kicked the man and he fell backwards onto the ground.

The pepper spray included a dye that would have made the man’s face a shade of purple, Parker said.

The woman fled the scene and came across a couple who ensured she returned to a safe location where she phoned the police.

Anyone with information about the suspect should contact Detective Randy Gehlhausen at 812-349-3325.

— Michael Majchrowicz