Beach police say woman was sexually assaulted while riding bike

Virginia Beach police are now investigating after they say a woman was sexually attacked on Friday while riding her bike.

Police say on Friday, July 20, 2012 at approximately 8:00 p.m., a woman contacted Virginia Beach EMS teams and reported she was sexually assaulted in the 400 block of S. Independence Boulevard.

The suspect confronted the victim at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and S. Plaza Trail. The victim was riding her bicycle and the suspect was also on a bike.

Police say the suspect continued to follow the woman when they stopped under a tree because it was raining. The suspect punched the victim repeatedly as she fell to the ground. The victim was then sexually assaulted. After the attack, police say the victim was allowed to leave the area as the suspect fled. The victim immediately reported the assault.

The suspect is described as a black male between the ages of 30 and 40 years old, approximately 170 pounds, and has a protruding stomach. He has a moustache, sideburns, and some chin hair. The bicycle is described as a blue bike – possibly a mountain bike.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers Office at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887) or text VBTIP with your information to CRIMES (274697). Callers remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates coming up First at Four.