Baltimore Police searching for man who allegedly assaulted elderly woman in Leakin Park

BALTIMORE - Police are searching for a man who allegedly physically and sexually assaulted a 71-year-old woman Tuesday evening in Baltimore's Leakin Park.

Police said the woman told officers she was assaulted and sexually assaulted around 6 p.m. as she was walking through the Gwynns Falls Trail.

The woman told police that an unidentified male struck up a conversation with her and began to follow her before grabbing her and showing a handgun.

Police said the woman told officers she attempted to get away but was then violently assaulted.

She was able to get away and find help.

Police said she suffered severe injuries during the assaults and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Leonard Jackson has been coming to Leakin Park and walking the Gwynns Falls Trail for decades. It's one of his favorite areas.

"I mean you have deer here, foxes, lots of wild animals. I've seen bald eagles and egrets," he said.

He was one of several people WJZ spoke to Thursday surprised to hear what happened.

"I see people walking through here a lot of times. Couples, groups, persons by themselves, and [this incident is] the first I've heard in a long time," Jackson said.

Police shared a composite sketch of the suspect described as bald-headed male, approximately in his 40s, standing at around 5 feet, 9 inches tall and was reportedly wearing a dark jacket and plastic glasses.

Jackson's grateful the victim will be okay and, as scary as this all is, he hopes this doesn't deter people from the trail or area.

"Crazy things happen, strange and dangerous things happen, but never give up on nature. This is a beautiful park, I hope that it will continue that way for a lot of years to come," he said.

Anyone with information or know the suspect's identity should call police at 410-396-2466 or Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also submit an anonymous online text tip to Metro Crime Stoppers by visiting the MCS website.