Teen beaten during assault

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Salisbury police say an 18-year-old woman escaped an attacker by biting off part of his genitals.

The woman was walking along Maxwell Street near the County Club Neighborhood when the man jumped her and dragged her into nearby woods.

Police say the man forced her to perform a sex act. She refused and was beaten up.

He forced her again. Again, she refused and was beaten.

Then, police say the teen bit him hard enough to tear off a piece of his genitals.

"Oh my gosh, this is my neighborhood,” said neighbor Patti Heilig.

She walks the same area daily.

"If it can happen to that poor girl it can happen to anybody,” she said.

Karina Florian and Laura Stringfield typically walk Maxwell Street together. They say the question now is whether they should they carry mace in addition to bringing their dogs.

"Because it hits so close to home and we were here out and about last night,” Stringfield said.

Police say a similar attack happened months ago but it wasn't here and doesn't appear to fit any one pattern or person.

"We just hope they'll catch the guy before anything else happens,” Heilig said.

Police say they are checking local hospitals to see if a man has sought medical attention for the bite.

The teen who was attacked was taken to a hospital. Her condition has not been released.