Police: Man attempted to sexually assault woman at knifepoint in downtown DC luxury hotel

Police are searching for a person of interest they say tried to sexually assault a woman in a hotel room in downtown D.C.

The incident happened around 7:40 p.m. Saturday on the 11 floor at the Grand Hyatt Washington on H Street.

According to an incident report, the victim, a female employee, said the suspect backed her against the bed and held a knife to her throat while demanding she undress. The victim said the two struggled after the suspect exposed his private area and grabbed her hair so viciously the hair was pulled off the scalp. At this time, the victim said, the suspect was able to flee the area.

"This is a stranger on stranger case, it was a brazen attack, the suspect entered through a side door of the hotel that was not shut properly and made his way to the guest floors inside of the hotel, pushed his way into a hotel room and attempted to sexually assault the victim," said Captain Chanel Dickerson with D.C. Police.

Investigators released a security image of the possible suspect. They say the suspect is a Hispanic male, approximately 21 to 25 years old, 5'1" to 5'6" in height, with a medium build, light complexion and black hair.

"This is a frightening offense, blatant stranger on stranger case and we need the public's assistance in catching him," Dickerson said.

He was said to be wearing a blue jacket, dark colored pants and white or grey shoes.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Officers say anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment could be eligible for a $1000 reward.