Police search for man who sexually assaulted woman at Rock Creek Stream Valley Trail in broad daylight

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Silver Spring community is on edge after Maryland-National Capital Park Police said a woman was sexually assaulted at a park on Tuesday, in broad daylight.

Park police are looking for the man who sexually assaulted a woman walking along the Rock Creek Stream Valley Trail near the Jones Mill Road Playground, in Silver Spring.

The same park, Negar Ghassemieh likes to take her son to because of how safe it feels. She told WUSA9 on Sunday, it's terrifying to hear about the assault. 

“We just went leaf picking. There were other families there, so I didn’t feel unsafe.” Ghassemieh, said. 

Park Police said, the assault happened on Tuesday at around 4p.m., in broad daylight. Officials said the man approached the woman and touched her inappropriately. The woman was rushed to the hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Those who frequent the park, like Ella Kay and her dog, say the incident is disturbing and disappointing.

“Like weekly we go on walks in this area with our dog, if not other parks around here.” Kay, said. 

Police said the attacker is a man, 6-feet, between 20-25 years old. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, jogger pants and a tight black cap.

Park police encourage people to always walk with a friend or in a group. Always be alert and take your phone with you in case of an emergency.

“Definitely surprised, I consider this a very safe and open area too.” Kay, said. 

Park police officials said there were two bicyclists who intervened and helped the woman. However, they left by the time police arrived on scene. Park police would like to speak to those two people and anyone else who may have seen something.

If you have any information, contact police right away.