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Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a man who allegedly threatened to sexually assault a woman after hitting her with his vehicle.

A nearby resident had called police at about 5 a.m. on March 7 after the woman showed up on his doorstep. She was transported to hospital, where she reported what investigators are calling a serious assault.

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The woman told police she was riding her bike in the 3900 block of 14th Avenue S.E. when she was struck by a vehicle, knocking her to the ground.

“Investigators believe this was a deliberate act,” said Det. Matt Baker. “The victim will state in her account that she believes the vehicle followed her for a short distance before knocking her to the ground.”

The driver then picked her up and placed her in a small SUV, where he threatened to sexually assault her. But she escaped before any act occurred.

“(The woman) states that she fought the attacker and fled on foot,” Baker said.

The man is described as Middle Eastern and in his mid-20s.

“I think it’s reasonable to suggest under these circumstances that this person does pose a danger to other Calgarians,” Baker said.

The woman remains in serious but stable condition in hospital.

“The majority of her injuries are consistent with being hit by a vehicle,” Baker said.

Officers are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have seen the vehicle — a beige or gold SUV, similar to a Pathfinder or Land Rover — to contact police.

estark@calgaryherald.com

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