Police Release Sketch of Suspect in Sexual Assault of 7-Year-Old

July 2, 4:33 p.m. - Prince George's County police have released a composite sketch they say depicts the suspect sought in the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in Marlton.

The assault happened on the afternoon of Sat., June 22 in the 8800 block of Heathermore Blvd. in Marlton, just south of Upper Marlboro.

According to police, the young victim was spending time with a group of other youngsters at the apartment complex. At some point around 3 p.m., she left the group and began riding a scooter on the sidewalk around the apartment building.

Police said the victim told investigators that while she was behind the apartment building she was approached by an older, balding white man with a goatee and armed with a handgun. The victim told police that the man then forced her into the woods where she was assaulted. 

According to police spokeswoman Julie Parker, the entire incident happened "in the span of a couple of minutes."

After the assault, police said, the girl returned to the group of children she had been playing with and informed them of what happened. The children then alerted the girl's mother, who immediately reported the incident to police. 

Investigators responding the scene afterward deployed K-9 units, but were unable to pick up a trail. 

Since then, county police have canvassed the area asking for any tips from the public which could help lead to an arrest. 

Police are asking that anyone with information contact the Prince George's County Police Department's Sexual Assault Unit at 301-772-4908.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS.