A woman was assaulted in the early morning hours near the St. Patrick’s Church in Grass Valley and was listed in critical condition at the Sutter-Roseville Trauma Center.

According to Grass Valley Police Lieutenant Alex Gammelgaard, law enforcement and emergency services responded at 7:25 a.m.   to the St. Patrick’s Church after a 911 call for an unconscious woman. Medics and police arrived on scene and found a 72-year old Grass Valley resident on the side of the building. She was unconscious and was transported via air ambulance to Sutter-Roseville.  She had suffered head trauma from the assault. The latest update is that she is currently in stable condition after undergoing surgery.

Preliminary investigations indicate the alleged assault may have taken place between 5:15 and 5:30 am this morning.

Gammelgaard stated that a BOLO is out for the victim’s 2013 silver/grey Honda Accord, license plate 6ZHX462. If seen, please do NOT approach the vehicle, contact law enforcement immediately.

The suspect is believed to be a white male adult, thin build, approximately 5’10” tall and was last in the area at the time of the assault between 5:15 and 5:30AM.

It is believed the suspect stole the victim’s vehicle which is described as a gray 2013 Honda Accord, CA license plate # 6ZHX462

Anyone with information or who sees the vehicle is asked to call GVPD or the local law enforcement agency where the vehicle is found. Do not approach the vehicle or anyone within or around it.