Sex assault reported at Flat Branch Park

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: The victim has been identified as a 14-year-old female who was at the Flat Branch Park with her friends. The victim had separated from her friends in the park and a short time later, the victim’s friends heard the victim screaming nearby.

The victim reported she had been sexually assaulted by the male suspect, who was seen quickly leaving the park in a southbound direction.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for evaluation by authorities. Columbia Police detectives have taken over the investigation and a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center is being arranged. It is unknown if the victim and the suspect know each other.

ORIGINAL STORY: Columbia Police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported Thursday afternoon.

The female victim is not a student at the university. The suspect is described as a thin, white male with a mole on his forehead. He is suspected to be in his mid-40’s, around six feet tall and is still at large.

The assault took place near a wooded area of Providence Road and Stewart road by the MKT underpass.

ABC 17 News is on scene working to find out more.