K-9 search teams from Oconee County Friday assisted University of Georgia Police in the hunt for an attempted rape suspect in Athens near the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

A man armed with a knife threatened to rape a woman as she walked on one of the trails but she was able to break free and seek help, the Athens Banner-Herald reported.  The woman called UGA Police around 4:20 p.m. to report the incident, according to the newspaper.

Shortly before 7 p.m., the Oconee County Sheriff's Office sent out a Nixle alert advising that K-9s were deployed and patrol deputies were assisting with the search.  Athens-Clarke County Police were also involved, the Athens Banner-Herald reported. 

Authorities gave the following description of the suspect: a white man with short, blonde hair, 6'0" and 150 pounds.  He was said to have been wearing blue sweat pants, a green and white hooded sweatshirt, white running shoes and black sunglasses.

Contact 911 or the UGA Police Department at (706) 542-2200 with any information.

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