A suspect in the kidnapping and rape of a woman whose car had broken down at night has been released without charges, police said yesterday.

Ricky N.L. Albano, who was arrested Friday, was released yesterday pending further investigation, police said.

Investigators declined yesterday to say why the suspect was released. Police typically can hold a suspect for 48 hours without charges.

The 44-year-old woman, whose car had overheated, told police a man forced her into his car and sexually assaulted her Wednesday night in the Kalihi Kai area.

The woman at first had refused an offer of help from a man at about 7:30 p.m. after her car broke down on Pu'uhale Road near Homerule Street. But the man returned a few minutes later and allegedly grabbed the woman from behind as she stood outside the vehicle inspecting the vehicle's engine, police said.

Police said the man forced her into his car, drove her to Hart Street and sexually assaulted her. There, the woman fought back and escaped, police said.

She later gave a description of the suspect to police, who on Thursday released a composite sketch.

Police issued a warning following the attack that women should use caution whenever they have car trouble at night. However, they also stressed that such attacks are rare in Honolulu.

Albano was arrested Friday based on a CrimeStoppers tip from someone who recognized the description of the suspect and his car, police said.

At the time, police said they could not have taken the quick action without the community's help.