King County Sheriff’s Office detectives are searching for a man suspected of raping a 21-year-old woman July 28 in Covington.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart, sheriff’s office spokesman, the attack occurred shortly after midnight near the LA Fitness at 27245 272nd Ave. S.E.

Urquhart stated in a release detectives are searching for the suspect, who is described as a white male, fair-skinned, in his mid 20’s, about 5 foot, 7 inches to 5 foot, 9 inches tall. He has a medium build with white, hairy legs.

According to the information from the sheriff’s office the man had a black nylon-type covering over his head and was wearing a dark, long-sleeved hoodie-style shirt, black basketball shorts and black tennis shoes with a small amount of red and white trim.

The sheriff’s office reported the woman was walking to her car when the man ran up behind, grabbed and choked her. The man covered her mouth so she couldn’t scream.

The suspect threatened the woman and forced her to a nearby wooded area. He took her wallet and raped her. The man then ran on foot northbound on Southeast 272 Street.

According to the police report the woman bit the man’s hand, but, she was unsure if he was injured.

Urquhart stated a man fitting the description was seen getting into a red or maroon minivan parked in the former QFC parking lot near the time of the assault. Detectives aren’t sure if this person and vehicle were involved.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information on this case to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.