Man lured woman into woods and then sexually abused her, Pierce County detectives say

Puneet Bsanti / The News Tribune (TNS)

Pierce County detectives are searching for a man suspected of luring a 19-year-old woman into a nearby wooded area and then sexually assaulting her.

At about 11:30 a.m. on May 17, the man was in the woods next to a senior living facility in the 8600 block of Portland Avenue East in the Midland area. He approached the woman who works there and said he needed help with an injured cat, according to a news release from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.

He lured the woman into the woods and then beat her. She was knocked down and he sexually assaulted her. The man ran away and the woman went back into the facility, where another employee called 911, the news release said.

Pierce County detectives created a sketch after interviewing the victim.

Description of the suspect

Investigators released the following description of the man:

— Black, 55-65 years old, over 6 feet tall, 300 pounds or more.

– Dark hair in a “brush cut” with a striking grey streak.

– Deeply wrinkled forehead and dark circles under the eyes.

— The eyes were described as being noticeably wide apart, directed downwards and too small in proportion to his face.

– Pronounced midsection that appeared to impair the suspect’s gait.

— The suspect was wearing a neck brace over his face.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-TIPS, the press release said.

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