Woman assaulted after answering door, giving directions

NEWPORT BEACH — A male suspect is being sought for allegedly striking a woman in the head with the butt of a pistol while forcing his way into her home Wednesday morning, according to a Newport Beach police press release.

Police were called to the victim’s residence in the 2900 block of Setting Sun Drive at approximately 11:14 a.m. July 28 and arrived to find the woman bleeding from her forehead.

The victim told police that the suspect knocked on her door, seeking directions to a nearby residence where someone had supposedly listed a bicycle for sale on Craigslist.

The woman gave the man directions to the residence and he left. However, he returned five minutes later seeking additional assistance. When the woman stepped out her door to provide further help the suspect responded by grabbing her and forcing her back inside, according to the report.

A struggle ensued and the woman began screaming, at which point the suspect reportedly struck her in the head with the grip of what is believed to have been a semi-automatic pistol. The suspect then fled.

As reported by Corona Del Mar Today, police described the suspect as being 5-9 with a slim build, possibly with a mustache. The victim said he was Hispanic or Italian but spoke with no accent, and he wore a dark baseball cap, a blue and green shirt and dark trousers.

While a vehicle leaving the area may have been linked to the suspect, no description of that vehicle was available.

The victim was treated at the scene and taken to Hoag Hospital where she was later released.

Police ask for anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Det. Donald Prouty at (949) 644-3767 or the Newport Beach Police Department’s hotline at (800) 550-NBPD. The public is encouraged to call with any information and messages may be left anonymously if desired.