Police continue to search for a man who sexually assaulted a 27-year-old woman in mid-November.
Posters bearing the sketch of a man in his 50s hang on the storefronts of shops along Main Street in Miami Lakes. The perp is described as a bald man with a muscular build and splotches on his face, perhaps from an artificial tan.
Detectives say the victim works near Main Street and may have been followed home by her attacker in his car. She drove to her apartment complex near Miami Gardens around 6 p.m. on Nov. 15. That's when the man attacked says Det. Javier Baez.
"The subject approached her from behind, armed with a knife, then forced her into her residence where he sexually assaulted her," Baez told NBC Miami.
Police say the investigation leads them to believe the man hung out near the woman's job often.
Miami Lakes resident Esther Marquez, who works nearby, says she'll be taking more precautions on her way home from work.
"I'll definitely have my phone on me all the time, and I may even buy pepper spray. That's not a bad idea," Marquez adds.
Police say being aware of your surroundings when returning home late at night is key to protecting yourself.
"Call someone, tell them you're on the way home in case something were to happen. Have your phone handy so you can call police in case of an emergency," Baez said.
Police were not able to confirm whether the victim knew her attacker. They are urging anyone with information to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
