Hollywood police release sketch of rape suspect

17-year-old girl raped in Hollywood neighborhood

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Police released a composite sketch Tuesday of a man accused of raping a 17-year-old girl on Saturday night.

The girl was walking on South 24th Avenue at Jackson Street when the man forced her into his van, drove her to the 2700 block of Pierce Street, and sexually assaulted her behind a dumpster, according to police.

Related: Search for rapist continues

"Very unsafe, very frightened, because it's a quiet block and we do go out at night to walk and it's just frightening to think that someone can grab you and rape you," said Ligia Pagan.

"You don't expect it to happen on this block. It's one of the smallest blocks in Hollywood -- Edwin Street," added Adron Leon.

Police described the man as about 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds. He had a short beard, dreadlocks down to his back, and was wearing a diamond earring in his right ear.

Hollywood police said they completed the sketch of the sexual battery suspect on Tuesday with the help of the Broward Sheriff's Office sketch artist.

The vehicle the man was driving is described as an older, dirty light gray or gold minivan.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-4411 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.