APEX, N.C. (WNCN) — Apex police are looking for a man wanted in connection with a sexual assault that occurred near an elementary school on Tuesday afternoon.

According to police, a 21-year-old woman was walking by Olive Chapel Elementary following a nine-mile run when she was attacked and sexually assaulted by a stranger.

The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. when the woman was walking back to her vehicle at Kelly Road Park, police said.

The woman told authorities that as she was walking back to her vehicle she sensed someone was walking closely behind her and so she turned around. An unknown white male was behind her and she told police that she stopped on the sidewalk to let the man pass.

The suspect did not pass the victim and instead pushed her onto the ground and attempted to get on top of her, police said. The suspect assaulted the woman by grabbing her between her legs over her clothing. The victim began screaming and the suspect ran off and jumped the playground fence at the elementary school, the victim told police.

The suspect was last seen running toward the back of the school.

Apex police and their K-9 team responded and attempted to pick up the suspect’s track but were unsuccessful. Witnesses said they saw police working in the area for several hours Tuesday evening.

Security cameras nearby captured images of the suspect.

Apex Police Capt. Joey Best said the department would increase patrols in the area where the assault happened.

“Certainly until we locate or identify the suspect we will be. But, we try to be vigilant in all areas of town, specifically where people are known to be in high concentrations, where people are known to exercise and play and things like that,” he said.

He also said police are not investigating any similar incidents in the area.

CBS17 saw police come to Kelly Road Park several times Wednesday.

Best encouraged people to take precautions.

“If you don’t have to jog or walk alone, don’t do that. Don’t wear earbuds or headphones. Always be aware of your surroundings,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Apex Police Department at (919)362-8661.