Police hand out fliers in search of sexual predator

CORAL SPRING, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are pounding the pavement and going door-to-door in search of a man who sexually assaulted a woman at her place of work.

According to Coral Springs Police, the suspect attacked a woman in a Coral Springs medical building earlier this week. "We consider him extremely dangerous, and that's why it is so important that the public works with us to get this individual off the street," said Coral Springs Lieutenant Joe McHugh.

Police said it was Monday night when the victim was working alone in a medical office along 33rd Street and Northwest 97th Avenue. The victim told police that the man walked in and demanded prescription drugs, but when she told him she did not have any drugs he turned violent. "He was choking her as well as beating her severely. He choked her to the point where she lost consciousness," McHugh said.

After sexually assaulting the victim, police believe the suspect set fire to the office in an attempt to cover up the crime. When fire rescue arrived to the scene, they discovered the woman on the floor.

The victim was eventually able to give police a detailed description of her attacker.

"We're actually focusing on local businesses around her, as well as local walk-ins, medical centers, as well as pharmacies," said McHugh. "Due to the fact that the suspect demanded prescription drugs, we do believe possibly that the suspect has a drug problem."

The suspect is described to be Middle Eastern or Hispanic in his mid 40s, standing 5 feet 11 inches with a thin build, dark hair and dark eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans.

If you have any information on this suspect, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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