S. Salt Lake police seek man in possible attempted sex assault

South Salt Lake police are looking for a person of interest in a case of possible attempted sexual assault involving a 19-year-old girl who may have been drugged at a going away party in Salt Lake City.

The woman reported to police that she drank a glass of water at the Jan. 2 party, and her memory then began to fade.

She woke at 1 a.m. the next day, lying next to a large tree near a West Valley City church near 1585 W. 2640 South. The victim reported that she had her keys, but did not know where her car was. She reported the missing vehicle to Salt Lake City police.

A friend of the woman called her 10 days later asking why her car was parked at a Maverik store in South Salt Lake City. Police say they believe the snow-covered car had been parked there since Jan. 2.

South Salt Lake police report that surveillance video from the Maverik store reveals a man putting the woman into his vehicle and driving northbound on West Temple.

Officer Gary Keller said the victim awoke with torn clothing and scratches on her body, indicating a possible attempted sexual assault.

The man is described as a 30-40 year-old Hispanic male with possibly a mustache or goatee. He has a large build. He is seen in the video wearing a yellow ball cap, a multi-colored flannel jacket and blue jeans with brown work boots. He was driving a late model maroon Ford Expedition with chrome wheels and chrome body trim.

Anyone who knows the man's identity is asked to call South Salt Lake police at 801-840-4000.

jmiller@sltrib.com

Twitter: @jm_miller