Man asked woman for money and cigarettes, but then tried to rape her, police say

A Florida man asked a woman for money and cigarettes while she was out for her morning walk, but police said she turned him down and then he tried to rape her.

Around 9 a.m. on Nov. 27, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said a woman was out walking in the Lake Magdalene area when the suspect approached her and asked for money and cigarettes.

Police said the woman gave him nothing and continued walking.

However, police said the suspect caught up with the woman at another intersection. The suspect pushed the woman down and attempted to rape her, officials said.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said, "During the attack, the suspect stated he had a knife, leaving the victim in fear for her life. His behavior was clearly escalating during this entire encounter. We need people to take a close look at these photos and videos. If they know this man, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.”

Police did not release if the woman was hurt or how she got away from the suspect, but officers said they are now searching for the man.

Officials said he is described as 20 to 30 years old, about 6-feet tall and weighing around 170 to 180 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.