GIRL ACCOSTED NEAR SCHOOL.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

CASTAIC - County sheriff's deputies stepped up patrols after reports over the weekend of an attempted sexual assault on a teenage girl in the Hillcrest neighborhood, officials said Monday.

The attack on a 14-year-old girl occurred just outside Castaic Middle School in the 28900 block of Hillcrest Parkway at about 6 p.m. Sunday. The girl was walking outside when a group of teenage boys on BMX bikes and skateboards accosted her, Los Angeles County sheriff's detective Dan Finn said.

``It's a crime of opportunity,'' he said. ``This is far beyond rough play. This was intentional attempted sexual assault.''

With the girl surrounded, one of the boys held her down and attempted to commit a sex crime. But another boy in the group pushed the attacker off and told the girl to run home, the girl told investigators.

No arrests were made.

Authorities said the assault appeared to be an isolated crime, since there were no previous reports of similar attacks in the hillside neighborhood. But deputies remained on the lookout for suspects.

``We're actively investigating and beefed up patrols in the area,'' Finn said.

Officials at both Castaic Elementary School and Castaic Middle School along the parkway slope were alerted about the attack, and educators have reminded students to take precautions.

``They should be using the wisdom of safety - walking in groups. Walk in populated areas and report suspicious incidents to ... parents or the office,'' Castaic Middle School Principal Marcia Dains said.

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com