Woman’s alleged assault of girl “an isolated incident””

The teen met briefly with Young near Harding High School and said she’s grateful her alleged abductor is behind bars.

The female driver is now being held on $100,000 bail.

After speaking to several witnesses, police arrested Randall on Saturday evening in her New Haven apartment. He also thanked the public, who he said provided many leads. The victim originally declined the offer, but the suspect somehow convinced her to get in, the police report said.

The incident occurred on October 5, when the girl was walking to school.

The victim was taken near the corner of Boston and Palisade Avenue.

Police said 38-year-old Towanna Randall lured the 17-year-old victim into her vehicle in Bridgeport last Monday then sexually assaulted her.

Eyewitness News learned the Randall has an extensive criminal history, including arrests for robbery, larceny and selling drugs. But court documents reveal that Randall told a detective she thinks the victim stole money from a cup holder.

Video captured by Bridgeport’s Safe Corridors Program provided evidence in the case. The program creates blocks-long perimeters around Bridgeport schools that are marked and monitored by police, trained volunteers and cameras.

The suspect had black hair in a ponytail, freckles on her face, and was wearing a black leather jacket at the time. The Bridgeport chief thanked the New Haven police department for its help in the investigation.