San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis on Thursday joined other law enforcement leaders to honor victims of violent crime. Dumanis joined San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore and San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne at an annual luncheon honoring heroes who performed brave acts that assisted fellow citizens or law enforcement. Sandy Gon-zalez, 18, of Spring Valley, was honored by the DA during the 21st Annual Salute to Local Heroes Luncheon for her bravery during an attack one night last April.

“Sandy epitomizes the courage of so many victims who fight back in the face of violent crime,” DA Dumanis said. “She put up a brave fight the night she was attacked, and later in court in spite of her timid personality. It’s not easy for victims to face defendants in court, but Sandy helped our office convict the defendant and sent him to state prison.”

After exiting a bus one evening in April, a man who noticed Sandy was confused about the direction she was headed took advantage of her vulnerability. He groped her, pushed her into a group of trees, and began hacking at her with a knife. Sandy fought him the man off and eventually ran to safety with the help of a Good Samaritan.

Six other heroes were honored by during the luncheon, which is sponsored by the San Diego Rotary Club.