CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- An investigation is underway after authorities said a woman was sexually assaulted on a path at a Chesterfield park Tuesday morning.
Officers were called to Bensley Park along Drewrys Bluff Road around 10:50 a.m. for a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted, according to Chesterfield Police.
"The victim reported that she was walking on a paved path around the park's soccer fields when an unknown male approached her from behind and grabbed her inappropriately over her clothing," a Chesterfield Police spokeswoman said. "When the victim pulled away from the suspect, he threw her to the ground and ran down the path and into a wooded area that leads to a nearby apartment complex."
"Which caused some injuries that sent her to the hospital. We are now looking for this suspect. Obviously, a lot of resources poured into this, but we weren't able to locate him at that time," Sgt. Winfred Lewis said.
The official said the victim ran to the rec center for help and police were then called.
The woman was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to officers.
Police described the suspect as a white male with a thin build. He was last seen wearing sunglasses and a blue hoodie with the hood pulled up and tight around his face.
Police are asking for those who live near the park to check their surveillance cameras if they have them.
"There's no indication that he even got into a car. I wouldn't be surprised if it's someone who lives near the area which is why the public's information would be vital in this case to help us identify the individual," Sgt. Lewis said.
The incident has left some neighbors in the area concerned for their safety.
"They're not allowed to go anywhere without me," a Chesterfield mother said.
She said that she has noticed some changes in her neighborhood recently, adding that she's even had problems with people jumping her fence.
She is hopeful that Chesterfield Police will be able to identify the suspect before he makes another move.
"I just don't want it around here. I want people to be safe. I want them to feel safe and if I can go around and try and help and prevent this or not let it happen again, I'll walk, I'll talk, I'll do whatever I got to do to make this neighborhood safe," the mother said.
Anyone with any information about the case is urged to call Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
