Oakdale Police were on site at a crime-scene tape cordoned off William Meyer Park on East G Street Wednesday morning, July 1, investigating an early morning sexual assault that occurred overnight.

Oakdale Police Chief Lester Jenkins said police were in the area on an unrelated matter that morning when a female flagged  him down and reported the attack.

Additional police units responded and roped off the park as a crime scene.

During the morning police were processing the scene which included an area with several blankets and a loaded shopping cart. Evidence markers were also placed at various locations around the park.

Police said the victim, 50, was sleeping in the park between 11 p.m. and midnight when she was startled awake when the suspect laid down next to her. The suspects forcibly raped her after threatening to harm her if she made any noise. After the assault the suspect fled the area on foot.

Several people in the area were interviewed and some evidence was collected at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Joe Johnson said the victim was taken to a local hospital where a rape kit would be performed and victim advocates would be made available to her.

“Aside from the trauma of the assault, she was not physically injured,” Johnson said, in reply if she required additional medical attention for any injuries.

The suspect in this incident was not known to the victim and is described as a clean shaven Hispanic or white male, about six feet tall, late 30s with wavy hair and a stocky build. He was last seen wearing dark shorts and a baggy white shirt.

Police stated the victim was provided with temporary shelter through a local support group.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the Oakdale Police Department at (209) 847-2231.