Alexandria woman sexually assaulted after man breaks into her apartment, police say

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A man broke into an Alexandria apartment, held a woman against her will and sexually assaulted her, according to police.

Alexandria police said the man broke into the Excelsior Towers in the 5800 block of Quantrell Avenue at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday.

The man forced his way into an apartment and held a 23-year-old woman against her will, according to officials. Investigators said the man sexually assaulted the woman before fleeing the scene.

"As far as we know, this is the first time the victim ever came into contact with this suspect," Deputy Chief David Huchler with the Alexandria Police Department said. "We don't believe there was a weapon used. He forced his way in and used physical force to detain her."

Authorities described the suspect as a man between the age of 25 and 35, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Investigators urged people who saw anyone in the area between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. who were acting suspicious or that they just didn't know, to please contact the police department.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call Det. J.P. Jones with the Alexandria Police Department at (703) 746-6867.