Attacker sought after Fresno teacher tied up, robbed

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police are looking for the attacker who they say tied up a Central Unified teacher on campus, assaulted her and then robbed her.

Police say the victim is in her 50s and she was at Teague Elementary School over the weekend prepping for classes this week. School leaders believe this is an isolated incident but they're beefing up patrols to make sure no one else gets hurt.

Family members of students who attend Teague Elementary were frightened after finding out a teacher was brutally beaten here. "I feel very bad for the teacher. You should have respect for the elders," said David Xiong.

Police say the 50-something-year-old victim was working after hours on Saturday evening when she took a short break. "She walks to the bathroom, goes to the bathroom, and when she is coming out the suspect pushes her back in, pushes the door, knocks her down then gets inside and ties her up, puts her on her stomach," said Lt. Joe Gomez.

The teacher told police the attacker used a shirt to hide his face during the crime. "She started screaming and he said not to scream. He punched her in the face several times during this encounter. He tied her up with different things. He told her he was going to rape her at one point," said Lt. Gomez.

Detectives don't believe he sexually assaulted the woman but they say he stole her ring and cellphone.

Right now, additional patrol units are standing guard at the school. Central Unified school counsellors are also helping the victim and other teachers cope after the traumatic experience. "Everybody is taking it very seriously. They are very concerned for their colleague. So there is a lot of sympathy and support for her," said Kevin Wagner.

The district is urging all staff members to operate on the buddy system especially after classes. "If they are going to be here after hours they are going to be here with at least one other person and notify the principal," said Wagner.

Police say they are reviewing surveillance video to see if they can identify the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000.