Police Alto police are searching for a man they say attacked a woman while she was walking Thursday night. 

According to the Palo Alto Police Department, officers got a call at 6:04 p.m. about a woman screaming in the 400 block of Miramonte Avenue. 

Investigators say the woman who’s in her 30s, was walking southbound in the 1500 block of Castilleja Avenue when a man approached her from behind and put his hand over her mouth. 

He then pushed the victim down into the bushes and a struggle ensued. The woman began screaming and the suspect punched her repeatedly in the face.

Neighbors heard the woman’s scream and came outside, which scared the suspect away, police say. 

The suspect was last seen running away eastbound on Miramonte Avenue and then turning southbound on Mariposa Avenue. 

The victim suffered bruising and swelling to her face and shoulder. 

A police dog was brought to the scene to help search for the suspect, but he wasn’t located. 

Police say the motive for the attack is unknown. The suspect didn’t steal anything from the woman. 

The victim doesn’t know the suspect’s race but did say he was wearing jeans and a black backpack. 

Police say its a possibility that a neighbor who saw the suspect, could work with a police artist to produce a sketch.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 650-383-8984. 

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