MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa mom is pleading with the public for help finding the man who tried to sexually assault her 12-year-old daughter.
In a YouTube video, Silent Witness offered a $12,000 reward for information that helps bring the unidentified suspect to justice.
"He's still out there and it will happen again until he's found," the woman, whose face was blurred, said.
The attack happened near 80th Street and University Drive in Mesa on Feb. 3, according to the Mesa Police Department.
"The man had threatened a 12-year-old victim with a knife and attempted to sexually assault her," said Sgt. Brian Bower with Silent Witness and Phoenix police.
The mom said she wants to make her daughter feel safe again and that is difficult because the attack happened within five minutes of their home.
"We need more help, I don't want time to pass, too much time to pass before someone comes forward, my heart breaks for her and no parent should have to feel and see their child go through something like that," she said.
She also said she doesn't want anyone to fall victim to the man.
"I don't want someone else to have to go through that. He got away too quickly on foot. I'm hoping that the community knows something, has seen something or even going forward that if you notice something that is strange or suspicious to call Mesa PD to call Silent Witness so that we can find this person," said the mom.
The mom said even the smallest detail could help find the man.
Police listed the following details about the suspect's description:
- Black male
- Between 25–40 years old
- 5 feet 10 inches tall
- Medium build
- Goatee-style beard that is longer and thicker on the chin
- Dark spiky hair
- Last seen wearing a black hoodie with a white logo and dark pants
Anyone with information about this man should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. You can also call the Mesa Police Department at 480-644–2211.
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Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.
