PALMDALE – Authorities have arrested the man who allegedly tried to rape a 17-year-old girl on her way home from school in Palmdale Wednesday afternoon.
Marlon Crowell, 33, was booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on felony charges of Attempted Rape and Assault with Intent to Commit Rape.
Detectives are now seeking the “Good Samaritan” who assisted the teenager immediately following the incident.
The following is the press report from the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau:
On Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at approximately 1:15 p.m., a 17 year-old girl was walking home from school on the 38000 block of Sierra Highway in Palmdale, when she was allegedly confronted by the suspect.
The suspect blocked her path and began asking questions that were inappropriate and frightening to the victim. She attempted to get away several times, when the suspect grabbed her by the collar of her blouse tearing it open.
The victim said she struggled to get away, striking the suspect with her hands.
She then threw her backpack to the ground, managed to break free, and ran to a nearby parking lot where she met a “Good Samaritan” who drove her home.
After reporting the assault to Palmdale Sheriff’s deputies, the victim’s mother saw the possible suspect and alerted deputies.
Deputies arrived, identified 33-year old Suspect Marlon Crowell, and arrested him.
He was booked at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station on felony charges of Attempted Rape and Assault with Intent to Commit Rape. His bail was set at $100,000.00.
Detectives are asking the “Good Samaritan” who may have witnessed the assault to contact the Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau at 877-710-5273.
UPDATED 9/8/12: Marlon Crowell reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday (Sept. 7).

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