Woodbridge assault: Man jumps out of bush, grabs woman, Prince William County police say

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - Authorities in Prince William County reported a frightening situation after they say a man jumped out of a bush and grabbed a woman early Wednesday morning.

Prince William County police say the woman was walking to work near Walnut and Sycamore streets in Woodbridge at about 6:55 a.m. when the man assaulted her.

The victim was able to break free of the suspect, having her shirt ripped in the process as she ran away to a nearby business where she called for help. Officials said the victim was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

"The encounter occurred very quickly between the victim and the suspect so we don't know if this was an attempted sexual assault or attempted robbery. We're still trying to figure that out, but nothing was said between the suspect and the victim. Obviously, an assault took place in the commission of another crime, we just need to figure out what that other crime is," Sgt. Jonathan Perock with the Prince William County Police Department said.

A police K-9 and helicopter searched the area for the suspect, but he was not found.

The suspect was described by officials as a man with facial hair between the ages of 40 and 50, standing about 6 feet tall and weighing about 195 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and gloves.

Authorities said residents in the area could expect increased patrol in the area as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call Prince William County police at (703) 792-6500.