Public's Assistance Sought in Identifying Sexual Assault Suspect

The public’s assistance is being sought to identify the man who on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. sexually assaulted a woman outside the Vanderbilt Medical Center’s East parking garage at 1215 21st Avenue South.

The victim, a VUMC employee, saw the suspect pacing nearby. When she attempted to walk away from the area, he grabbed her from behind and began choking her. He threatened to kill her if she made a noise. During an ensuing physical struggle, he forcibly fondled the woman who managed to free herself and escape.

The suspect is a white man with brown hair, beard and mustache. He wore a white short sleeved shirt with an orange number 5 on the front and dark pants. Anyone who recognizes the suspect from the attached surveillance photos is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.