Updated: Alexandria Woman Reports Sexual Assault Near Rosslyn Metro

An Alexandria woman walking near the Rosslyn Metro Station early Saturday reported being sexually assaulted, according to information police released this week.

The woman, whose age has not been released, was leaving Washington and was dropped off at the station by a taxi. She entered the Metro station, but soon left after deciding she didn't want to wait for the next train, Arlington police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said.

Shortly after 2 a.m., the woman was walking along the 1700 block of North Moore Street when an unknown man grabbed her and pulled her into an alleyway against her will, Sternbeck said.

The man put his hand in the woman's pants, though the woman prevented him from doing anything else, Sternbeck said.

The woman, who is deaf and mute, was able to bite the man's hand as he tried to cover her mouth.

"He was trying to engage in sexual intercourse or rape, but could not. She was fighting it off," Sternbeck said.

The woman fled and later described the incident to police through written communication, he said.

She was not taken to a hospital. She told police she also was robbed of $45 cash during the incident.

The woman described her attacker as a man with a thin build and beard who was wearing all gray clothing at the time. She told police he "appeared to be homeless."

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating the matter as a sexual assault, robbery and abduction. The latter can involve anyone being held against their will, Sternbeck said.

"We'll still maintain a police presence" around the Rosslyn Metro, Sternbeck said. "We're actively searching for the suspect and working with the victim."