Police are searching for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman walking alone in Riverside Park on Monday, Nov. 19.

The victim was walking to St. Catherine’s University along Riverside Park near Fairview Riverside Hospital around 7 a.m. when a man approached her, asking for money. Seconds later, he forced her into a nearby wooded area and sexually assaulted her, according to Sgt. Stephen McCarty.

The woman, who was hospitalized after she got away, said the man told her he had a gun but he did not reveal the weapon.

The suspect is described as black, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 35 to 40 years old, with an unshaven, scruffy beard and a medium to heavy build. He was wearing a navy-blue jacket with a zipper, police said.

Police are offering up to a $1,000 reward for information in the case and ask those who can help to call 612-673-2358.