SPENCER (CBS) – Police are stepping up patrols after a woman told police she was sexually assaulted while walking near the entrance to the South Spencer Rail Trail Friday afternoon.

Spencer Police say the assault took place shortly after 3 p.m. along Chestnut Street.

The woman told police she was approached from behind by her attacker.

The woman was taken to the hospital where she was treated and released.

Police say the suspect is a white man, 6’3″, 200 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes, in his late 20′s to early 30′s wearing blue jeans and a blue t-shirt.

Police are warning area residents to be alert when walking alone.

If you have any information, call the Spencer Police.