A South Lake Tahoe woman in her 20s is recovering from an early morning physical and sexual assault from a man she did not know.

The victim was with a group of friends about 2am June 11 outside of a motel on Cedar Avenue when she stepped aside to use her phone.

“While she was temporarily out of view of her friends, the suspect grabbed her and threatened her with a knife. Compelling her silence with the knife, the suspect forced the victim to a secluded area where he beat her violently and attempted to sexually assault her,” according to South Lake Tahoe police press release.

The victim escaped and ran back to the motel. The suspect chased after her, which is unusual. An officer told Lake Tahoe News normally when a victim frees herself the perpetrator retreats. Not in this case.

But he did flee when he saw her friends. He ran toward Stateline. He remains at-large.

The victim was first taken to Barton Memorial Hospital and then to Renown Medical Center in Reno. She has since been released, but has substantial injuries. She was not stabbed.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 18-22, heavy set with a noticeable stomach, between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-6, with short black hair. He is clean shaven and has a deep voice. He was last seen wearing an unknown color T-shirt and khaki shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call 530.542.6100 or South Lake Tahoe Secret Witness at 530.541.6800.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report