Suffolk Police have released a sketch of a man wanted in connection with the robbery of a local store, during which the clerk was robbed at gunpoint, tied up and sexually assaulted.

The crime occurred Thursday morning at Fashion Cents in the North Main Street Shopping Center. Police believe the incident may be linked to two similar cases in Virginia Beach and James City County.

&uot;They are possibly connected,&uot; said Lt. Debbie George, Suffolk Police spokeswoman.

At approximately 9:55 am, a white male displaying a handgun entered the Fashion Cents, tied the 20-year-old female clerk up and left the store with an undisclosed amount of money after sexually assaulting her. The suspect locked the clerk in the store, said George. She was able to use a clothes hanger to dial 911.

The suspect is described as a white male in 30 to 40 age range, 5 feet 2 inches tall, with short blond hair, a mustache, wearing blue jeans, a plaid shirt and a hat.

The suspect was operating a newer model, white four-door vehicle, possibly a Buick Century.

Police want to talk to anyone with information on the crime, or if they saw any suspicious activity in the area.

Call the Suffolk Crime Line at 1-888-Lock-U-Up to report information.

Detective David Burke is the lead investigator.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com