86-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted in Columbia, Police Say

The Howard County Police Department is investigating a sexual assault reported in Columbia over the weekend.

An 86-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop in the 7000 block of Cradlerock Way at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday when a stranger offered her a ride, according to police.

After the woman got into the car and explained where to go, the man turned into an empty parking lot at a business complex in the 10600 block of Little Patuxent Parkway, police said.

The man parked the vehicle, pulled her from the car and sexually assaulted her in nearby woods, according to the report.

Afterward, the woman walked to a gas station nearby, where a customer dialed 911, police said.

The victim was taken to Howard County General Hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries and was released, according to the report.

"Despite the victim’s best efforts since the incident, she has not been able to provide detectives with specific details about the suspect or his vehicle," police said in a statement Wednesday.

"The 86-year-old victim has described the suspect as possibly a black male in his 40s, driving a dark convertible sedan with light interior, possibly tan or beige," according to the statement.

Anyone with information may contact police at 410-313-STOP.