Police: Woman Sexually Assaulted on C&O Canal

The U.S. Park Police is investigating the report of sexual assault in the early morning hours of July 7 on the C&O Canal just off of 31st Street, NW in Georgetown.

The victim told police that a man approached her on 31st and M Streets around 1 a.m. July 7 and offered to help her locate her friends. The suspect led her to the C&O Canal, pushed her in the bushes and sexually assaulted her, according to police.

The woman was able to get away from the suspect, who was last seen on the C&O Canal at 31st St., NW, the release states.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately five feet, nine inches in height, overweight with a "heavy Australian accent." He is described as having short dark hair and a "scruffy beard." At the time of the attack, he was wearing a polo shirt with white and blue horizontal stripes.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact U.S. Park Police Communications Section at 202-610-7505 and reference case No. 12-3369. You can also call the U.S. Park Police Tip Line at 202-610-8737.