SEATTLE -- Police are searching for a door-to-door magazine salesman who attacked a customer, nearly strangling the 27-year-old woman in Seattle's Eastlake neighborhood.

It happened last Friday afternoon at an apartment in the 2200 block of Franklin Avenue East.

People who live on the narrow, tree lined streets of Eastlake are used to an occasional late night party but not much violence.

"Well I was shocked, I mean it was a shame," said Alex Calderon. "I've lived in this neighborhood for many, many years and nothing like this has ever happened around here."

The police report describes a viscous attack by the same man who was possibly seen by many neighbors going door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions.

"The victim told police she actually bought two subscriptions from the suspect, but she refused to let him come in the house when he asked to use the restroom," said Seattle Police spokesman Mark Jamieson.

Police say that was the right move.

"If something doesn't feel right, and we all get those feelings, do the prudent thing. Don't open the door, don't invite him," said Jamieson.

But the man came back two days later, saying he'd lost the paperwork and asked to come in and fill out new forms.  This time, she let him in.  It was while he was in there, she tells police, that he said "I'm sorry," then grabbed the woman by the throat until she passed out.

The Police report says the victim awoke in bathtub and called for help.  She will be OK, but police now have what they feel is a very dangerous suspect on the loose, who first apologizes then attacks for no apparent reason.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned African American man, 5-feet 11-inches tall, 190 pounds.  He's in his 20's and bald.