Oak Harbor police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who tried to sexually assault an employee at a local business while armed with a gun Wednesday, Jan. 2.

The man entered Whidbey Tropics, a tanning salon on SW Bowmer Street, at about 9:45 p.m. and displayed a handgun to a female employee. The store was closed at the time, but the door was inadvertently left unlocked, according to Detective Sgt. Teri Gardner with the Oak Harbor Police Department.

The man forced the woman to the ground; he attempted to sexually assault her and repeatedly kicked and hit her. The woman, however, fought him off and he eventually left.

Gardner said the man had been in the business earlier and asked the woman questions, then immediately returned with the gun and forced his way in.

The man is described as a white male, 6-foot to 6-foot-2, with dark hair in “a military cut” style, Gardner said. He may have scratches or other injuries on his neck, face or other parts of his body.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a newer Dodge Ram crew cab, darker in color and two-toned, with a chrome grill and chrome side mirrors.

Gardner urges anyone who may have information to call 360-279-4600 and ask for  a detective. If it’s after hours, call the ICOM dispatch center at 360-679-9567 and request to speak to an officer.