A woman who last week reported she was kidnapped and raped after her car stalled in Kalihi Kai has withdrawn her complaint, police said yesterday. Police earlier released a man held for investigation in the highly publicized case.

The 44-year-old woman had told police she was kidnapped and raped Wednesday after her car overheated and broke down.

The next day, police called a news conference to ask for the public's help in finding the attacker. Officers distributed a sketch of the attacker and a description of the car the attacker drove, based on information provided by the woman.

A CrimeStoppers tip led to the arrest of Ricky N.L. Albano, 44, at 12:15 p.m. Friday.

Albano was released without charges at 12:50 a.m. Saturday.

Yesterday, police issued a written statement about the case:

"The female who reported being kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Kalihi has withdrawn her complaint. The male who was arrested has been released. Further action on this case is being evaluated," the statement said. Police would not comment further.

Michelle Yu, Honolulu Police Department spokeswoman, would not comment on whether an investigation could result in criminal charges against the woman.

The woman told police her car had overheated and stalled on Pu'uhale Road near Homerule Street.

She reported that a man stopped to offer help about 7:30 p.m. and that she refused the offer. She said the man returned a few minutes later and grabbed her from behind as she stood outside the vehicle inspecting the vehicle's engine, police had said.

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

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

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.