Temple Terrace police need the public's help finding a man who sexually assaulted a woman overnight while wearing a skull face mask.
- Woman says she was sexually assaulted outside apartment
- Incident happened on East Fletcher Avenue
- Police ask anyone with information to call
Police say the attack happened early Tuesday at the Preserve at Temple Terrace apartment complex.
The woman told police the suspect was part of a group of four or five guys who were hanging around her apartment complex.
Detectives say the victim was suspicious of the group and tried avoiding them but they followed her. The victim was walking between two apartment buildings when she was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted.
Joy Dresser, 22, lives by herself in the complex and said she felt safe until now.
"It's just surprising that something would happen like this," she said. "I'll definitely keep a better eye out."
Temple Terrace police say the victim could not provide a good description of the group of men.
Detectives are canvassing the area for clues. Police are warning residents to be on high alert and recommend that women do not walk alone at night.
"Try to avoid going out late at night, especially alone," said the police department's Greg Pauley. "If you have to go out, make sure you have a friend or a family member that can walk with you and go with you."
Anyone with information related to this case or who saw suspicious activity between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. should call the Temple Terrace Police Department.