Police searching for Crystal City sexual assault suspect

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ARLINGTON, Va. (FOX 5 DC) -- Police in Northern Virginia are looking for a man who they say followed a woman who had just gotten off the Metro at Crystal City, then sexually assaulted her Thursday morning.

Arlington Police say the man followed the victim out of the Metro station and into one of the office buildings near 15th and Richmond Highway at around 8:30 a.m.

Then, the man allegedly trailed the woman inside an elevator where police say he sexually assaulted her.

Police are now asking for the public's help to identify the suspect.

The suspect, who was caught on surveillance camera at the station shortly before the incident, is described as a black male who is about six feet tall with an athletic build. He was wearing a black shirt, dark pants and sneakers.

Police say he ran away after the attack.

They say this case is particularly disturbing because it appears to be a stranger assault and because of it's brazen nature -- in a busy area in broad daylight.

Police say they are working with Metro Transit Police and other agencies to determine if he could have any other victims.

"We don't have any other similar cases that we're working in the area, but of course our detectives will go back to look at any possible links to any other crimes, not only in Arlington County, but we work with our regional partners as well," said Ashley Savage with Arlington County Police.

Police are conducting extra patrols in case the suspect is still in the Crystal City area as this is an active investigation. They urge anyone who thinks they may recognize this predator to contact them immediately.