TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (CBSDC) — A 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at gunpoint as she walked with her older sister in Temple Hills late Tuesday night.

Police say the girls were walking near Easy Street and Kingston Drive when a man approached them from behind and pointed a gun at them around around 11:10 p.m. He ordered them to walk into a wooded area.

As the man began to sexually assault the teen, her 26-year-old sister knocked the suspect to the ground enabling the younger girl to escape. The suspect then struck the older sister several times before fleeing the scene on foot. The girl was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released.

Police describe the suspect as a black male between 6 feet and 6 feet 3 inches tall with a thin build and medium complexion. He was wearing a black t-shirt and covered his face with a black cloth at the time of the assault.

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact police at 301-868-8773. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or by texting “PGPD” plus their message to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone. Tips can also be submitted online.

Authorities are urging citizens to walk in well-lit areas and in groups whenever possible.