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Police need help to find sexual assault suspect

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007

Montgomery County Police are searching for a man who they say sexually assaulted a Bethesda woman at knifepoint on Monday.

The 24-year-old Bethesda woman was assaulted just after midnight near the 7900 block of Norfolk Avenue approaching Del Ray Avenue, according to a release from police.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned man with a Hispanic accent between 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet tall, according to police. He was wearing a white, hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The attacker dragged the woman into an alley off of Del Ray Avenue and assaulted her, but ran away when a 32-year-old man heard the victim’s screams while he was walking home from work and ran toward them.

The victim was treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital.

Police spokeswoman Officer Melanie Hadley said the attack was most likely an isolated incident, but police are taking it seriously.

She advised people to park in well-lit areas, walk with a friend when possible and have keys in hand when approaching your car.

‘‘Most of all, trust your instincts,” she said. ‘‘Avoid anyone who makes you feel uneasy.”

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, toll free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and⁄or indictment.