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Coral Springs Police Seek Man Who Raped & Choked Woman In Office Building

CORAL SPRINGS (CBS4) - Coral Springs police are looking for a man they say sexually assaulted a female employee at a doctor's office before setting the building on fire.

Lt. Joe McHugh said firefighters were called to the office building on the 9700 block of NW 33 Street Monday after reports of a structural fire.

According to Lt. McHugh,  after evacuating the building, fire crews found a woman unconscious in one of the building's offices. Officials believe the fire originated near where the woman was found.

The woman, who has not been identified, was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that a man entered the doctor's office where the victim worked demanding prescription drugs.

The woman told the man that they did not stock prescription drugs. Police say at that point, the man became enraged and sexually attacked the woman before choking her to the point where she became unconscious.

"Somebody like this is an extremely sick individual to attack a poor woman who's just here trying to make a living and actually sexually assault her during the attack is an extremely scary situation for her," said Lt. McHugh. "Could possibly go out there and do it again."

Police are trying to determine the cause of the fire, and whether it is related to the sexual assault.

The suspect is described as Middle Eastern or Hispanic, mid to late 20's, 5-11", thin build, dark hair, dark eyes, groomed eyebrows, wearing a dark t-shirt and blue jean pants.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Jeff Payne of the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1757 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

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