Young Woman Attacked, Sexually Assaulted

It’s a crime that Metro Police are taking very seriously -- a sexual assault of a 26-year-old woman.

Police say the assault happened just off Fort Argyle Road, in the Bloomingdale area -- around 2:30 this morning.

News 3's Meredith Ley has more on what happened, and how you can help police.

Police say the young woman -- walked out of a home near Fort Argyle and walked out toward the busy road -- in order to get cell phone reception.

That’s when the attack took place.

Metro says two Hispanic men -- driving a van -- saw her, stopped their vehicle -- got out, grabbed her, beat her up -- then dragged her into the woods.

It was there the sexual assault took place.

The woman told police she saw them coming, tried to run-- but, it all happened so fast.

Julian Miller is the Public Information Officer with the Savannah Chatham Metro Police, and he says they are on high alert.

“We have no reason to believe that this is a reoccurring act. It concerns us when we have a ‘stranger to stranger’ contact such as this. And that is why we asked the public for help.”

Miller says they don't want folks to panic-

But the public needs to be informed--- so they can help police track down the attackers.

Here’s a picture of the type of vehicle they may be driving--

Described as a brown or tan conversion van.

Police say the two men were speaking Spanish during the assault.

“We are assuming some people know people who speak Spanish and drive a tan conversion van---and we would like to know about it. We understand that information is not always what we expect it is…but we still would like to check it out.”

There are some things you can do to avoid dangerous situations like this.

First, be aware of your surroundings.  Know where you are and who is around that may help you in a bad situation. Avoid isolated areas.

Walk with purpose.  If you don't know where you are going, always act like you do.

Trust your instincts.  If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn't the best place to be.

Always make sure your cell is with you and charged.

And don't allow yourself to be alone with someone you don't know or trust.

As for the victim in this case, she was treated at a savannah hospital for injuries received in the struggle.

If you think you've seen that tan colored van -- or have any information about this case -- call Crime Stoppers immediately.

Their number is 912-234-2020

Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.