Miami Beach police search for suspect in attack on woman on boardwalk – NBC 6 South Florida

An investigation is underway after Miami Beach police reported that a woman was sexually assaulted on the Beachwalk.

At 1 a.m. on Tuesday, a woman was rollerblading between 23rd and 24th streets when a man grabbed her from behind for no reason and sexually assaulted her. Police said a fight ensued.

“This is a very, very heinous attack and our organization takes it very, very seriously,” said Chris Bess of the Miami Beach Police Department.

Officers were seen searching the area to find the suspect, believed to be a black man in his 20s to 30s who was last seen wearing a white shirt. Police cannot confirm if he lives in Miami Beach or is visiting.

“There are leads out there that we are following up on,” Bess said.

As for the female victim, Miami Beach police believe she was alone at the time of the incident. Officers could not confirm if she was a local resident or a tourist, or if she required hospitalization for her injuries.

However, police said they were following every lead and scouring video surveillance to find out what happened.

“We are taking this extremely seriously and every single resource in our investigative unit is actively working on this case. But we also have increased uniformed patrols in the area so our residents and visitors can feel safe while we search for this offender,” Bess said.

The police said this was an isolated incident.

They are urging the public to tell a friend or bring a friend if you are out and about in the early or late hours of the morning to hopefully prevent this from happening.

Police are asking the public for help. If you know anything, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.