Police hand out fliers in sex assault investigation

Coral Springs police handed out fliers Thursday in the hope of receiving information about a man who sexually assaulted a woman this week after asking her for prescription drugs.

Police said the man went into a doctor's office in a building at 9750 NW 33rd St. in Coral Springs and asked for prescription drugs. But, when a female employee said there were no drugs there, he sexually assaulted and battered her, police said.

The man then apparently started a fire in the office to cover his tracks, police said.

"He was choking her as well as beating her severely, inside the office. (He) choked her to the point where she actually lost consciousness," said Lt. Joe McHugh, of the Coral Springs Police Department. "She did try to run from the suspect inside the office, at which time the suspect was able to catch up to her, and that's when he began to physically attack her."

The woman was found in the burning building and was taken to a hospital. She remained hospitalized Thursday.

The attacker is a man believed to be in his 40s who is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and has a thin build, dark hair, dark eyes, and groomed eyebrows.

A team of detectives from the Coral Springs Police Department went door to door Thursday at businesses in the area, handing out fliers with the man's image and offering information about the attack.

Police said they are certain the attacker walked to the doctor's office that day because the victim told police he was sweating profusely.

Investigators are calling the attack an attempted homicide and sexual battery.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).