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Police Release Sketch Of Suspect Wanted In Tanger Outlet Mall Attack

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Suffolk County Police have released a sketch of a man who they said attacked a woman in broad daylight at a popular outlet mall earlier this week.

Investigators said the suspect assaulted a 67-year-old woman inside a women's public restroom at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Riverhead around noon Tuesday.

"He was in another stall waiting. She came in, she went into the stall. When she started to come out, he actually grabbed her and then he grabbed her from behind and dragged her to the ground," Riverhead Town Police Lt. Richard Boden told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan.

Screams were heard by another female shopper who rushed into the bathroom, witnessed the frightening incident and notified mall personnel.

The suspect ran off toward River Road.

Security and police arrived within minutes and gave chase, but the suspect evaded officers and disappeared. K-9 units assisted in a search of the area, but were unable to track the suspect.

The victim, who was treated at a local hospital for bruises and trauma, had been shopping with her family, but went into the bathroom alone.

The mall is protected by surveillance cameras, patrolling security and the nearby Riverhead police force.

"In the 20 years that we've been in business in Riverhead, we've never had an incident like this occur. We believe it's an isolated incident," Tanger Outlets General Manager Janine Nebons said.

The hoodie-wearing suspect has only been described as being about 20 years old, clean-shaven and dark-skinned.

Police have not determined if the suspect was attempting to rape or rob his victim, McLogan reported.

Suffolk County Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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