Attempted carjacking reported in Atwater

Atwater police are investigating an attempted carjacking, reported Wednesday evening in the 1900 block of Silva Drive.

Officers were dispatched to the scene at 6:23 p.m. and spoke with the victim, a 19-year-old woman, according to Lt. Sam Joseph.

The victim, who is pregnant, told police she had exited her home around 6:15 p.m. and walked to her vehicle, which was parked on the street in front of her residence. The woman said she was reaching into the passenger side of her car to retrieve an item, when a man grabbed her from behind, demanding her car keys.

The woman told police she was able to pull away from the man’s grasp and began punching him. The woman also began screaming for her boyfriend, according to police.

The man then fled on foot in a northbound direction on Silva Drive.

Joseph said the woman’s screams and attempts to defend herself likely caused the attacker to panic.

No suspects are in custody. Police said the attacker was described as a heavyset Latino man with a full beard, standing about 6-feet-1-inch tall. Anyone with information about the crime can call the detective unit at (209) 357-6394. Tips are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published December 25, 2014 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Attempted carjacking reported in Atwater."