HPD: Student sexually assaulted while walking to school

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police are investigating after a high school student says she was sexually assaulted on her way to school Tuesday morning in southwest Houston.

The alleged assault happened shortly after 8am in the 10600 block of Harwin. The teenage girl told police she was walking to school at Yes Prep's west campus when a man armed with a knife forced her into his vehicle and sexually assaulted her.

Amanda Enomoto, who works nearby, called 911.

"It was early morning," she explained. "I opened the door and the girl ran to us, just asking for help."

Enomoto says the young girl was screaming that she had been sexually assaulted.

"She just shaking, shaking and crying. I give to her hug, call 911. That's all I can do," said Enomoto.

The suspect, described only as a Hispanic male, is still at large. The victim was treated at a nearby hospital.

Yes Prep will have extra security this afternoon and tomorrow morning.

YES PREP statement:

"The well-being and safety of our students is our top priority at YES Prep. We are deeply saddened to report that the Houston Police Department is in the process of investigating a sexual assault committed against a high school student on her way to school at YES Prep West. Understandably, this is a difficult time for the student, her family, and the campus community. As a system, we're keeping in contact with the student's family and the police department, and we will offer support to the student's family and campus during this difficult time.

We are also deploying staff from the central office's Operations team to provide additional surveillance to the campus' exterior between 7:15 and 8:15am and in the afternoon between 3:45 and 4:45pm. With the school day beginning at 7:45am and ending at 4:15pm, this plan provides coverage outside of the building when school staff have to report inside. This plan will take effect this afternoon and continue tomorrow until we are updated by HPD. We will make modifications to our security plan based on the findings of HPD's investigation."