BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — Brookhaven investigators say they have made a major break in a case where they say a man pushed a woman off Buford Highway and sexually attacked her in the bushes.
Channel 2's Liz Artz first reported on the case Tuesday after investigators released a sketch of the attacker.
Police say now that they have a photo of the man they believe is responsible for the attack, they want to close the case as soon as possible.
Channel 2's Carl Willis spoke Thursday with Brookhaven investigators, who said they believe they now have a good look at the suspect.
"We are very interested in locating this individual, l but even more importantly putting a name with this face," said Maj. Brandon Gurley of the Brookhaven Police Department.
The release of the photo comes two days after Brookhaven police went door to door with fliers trying to drum up leads.
They say the suspect approached a woman walking on North Cliff Valley Way near Buford Highway and pulled her into a wooded area and sexually assaulted her.
Police believe they have the right face from a video taken the day of the attack, but they need a name.
Investigators told Willis the suspect was in the Atlanta area as recently as Thursday morning but detectives believe he may have left the state.
"They have reason to believe that suspect is in the Alabama area, so we're reaching out to partners there as well," Gurley said. "We would like to take him into custody before someone else is hurt."
Police told Willis the suspect should have identifiable scratches and bites on his arms and possibly his face.
If you have information on the whereabouts of the man, investigators ask you to call Brookhaven police.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. Visit their website for information on how to submit a tip by text or online.
WSBTV
