Woman Assaulted After I-83 Fender-Bender

State police are searching for a man who assaulted a woman on the shoulder of Interstate-83 Friday after the two pulled over to discuss his rear-ending her car.

At around 10 p.m. Friday, following the fender-bender, both parties pulled over to the side of the road near Exit 33 in Parkton, which leads to northbound York Road.

The suspect “pleaded” with the woman he had allegedly struck, offering her money to settle the incident, police said.

The woman refused and attempted to dial 911. At that time, the man knocked her to the ground and grabbed her phone before throwing it at her and punching her multiple times, the press release states.

The suspect agreed to let her go if she promised not to call the police. She agreed, but after the suspect released her, she fled across several lanes attempting to wave down another driver for help.

“The man reportedly chased her, grabbed her and then dragged her toward the wood line as he continued to threaten her life,” the release states. “Prior to reaching the wood line, she was able to free herself once again from his grip. She was able to break away after punching him in the face. Once free, she ran back to her vehicle and fled the scene.”

Police say the man was driving a dark-colored Jeep Wranger with a soft top and possibly Pennsylvania tags. The Jeep likely has front-end damage as a result of the collision.

Police described the suspect as a clean-shaven male in his mid-20s with a tan complexion. He is likely between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-9 with a thin muscular build, dark hair and dark eyes. He was also described as having a "buzz" haircut, according to a press release.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who recognize the composite sketch (see attached photo), to call Trooper First Class Taylor at the Golden Ring Barrack at (410) 780-2700. All calls will remain confidential.