Authorities investigating suspicious man report in Crow Wing County

Authorities are investigating a report of a suspicious man that was made Friday morning just north of Brainerd.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office said a woman was out walking in the 16000 block of Birchwood Lane when a man approached her from behind and grabbed her arm.

The woman was able to get away after hitting the man, who then ran away.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies and Brainerd police searched the area but didn't locate the suspect.

He's described as a Caucasian man in his 30s, about 200 pounds with brunette hair and stubble facial hair. He was also wearing a dark blue jacket at the time, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 218-829-4749.

"Public safety is paramount and I want the community to be aware that we are actively investigating this case and any leads we obtain," said Sheriff Scott Goddard. "I'm asking that anyone in the McKay Road area to please check your surveillance camera systems on March 20 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to see if you may have footage of anyone matching the suspect's description."