The 25-year-old victim told police she was attempting to put her 3-year-old into her car after a day at Stoney Creek Park when she was grabbed by a man wearing a mask after 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
Police say the suspect put a knife to her side before trying to drag her into the woods.
"During the time he was trying to take her into the side of the park, he related to her that he wanted to have sex with her and asked her if she would like to have sex with him," explained Sgt. Mike Trail. "During that conversation, she was able to engage in a brief struggle, and she freed herself."
Police say she ran to her car and called police.
Police were able to capture the suspect with the help of K-9 units.
He has been identified as 16-year-old Herson Guardado, an El Salvador national.
"In his custody, he was found to have the ski mask and a knife, and he was positively identified by the victim," said Trail.
Police say Guardado was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a pipe. They believe he may be homeless.
Police are crediting the victim for her courage.
"She did a good job, kept her head. She was able to provide detailed information, and it was immediately sent to the officers. That helped in bringing this to a quick resolution and taking a very dangerous person off the streets," said Sgt. Trail.
The suspect is being charged with attempted rape, possession of an instrument of crime and related offenses.
He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for January 27th.
