ATLANTA — Atlanta police wants the public to be on the lookout for a man they say sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl at a park.
Channel 2 Action News has learned the alleged attack happened months ago but the girl was too scared to come forward. But she finally did and now authorities have released a sketch of the suspect.
Police say the assault happened November at the Deerwood Park in southwest Atlanta.
Residents in the area said they can’t believe what happened among the trees and swings of the park.
"We come here all the time to the playground and everything,” said neighbor Veronica Jackson.
The victim told police the man approached her and she tried to fight back but he overpowered her.
Atlanta police said the girl kept the secret for six months until she had the courage to come forward.
"For her to finally actually open up to her parents, I think that's commendable and brave for her to do that,” Jackson said.
Police are passing the composite sketch of the man around the area hoping some recognizes him.
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The suspect has a patch of lighter hair towards the front of his head. He is believed to be 18 to 20 years old. He has hazel-colored eyes and is approximately 6 feet tall.
Detectives also noted that the suspect introduced himself to the girl as "Lucas," but they do not know if that is his real name.
"It's not okay. He needs to be put away because no one should have their innocence taken away from them,” Jackson said. “Not by any means."
Police are currently patrolling the park and the surrounding neighborhood.
Anyone who spots the suspect is asked to call Atlanta police.