YORK - A young teen is recovering from an assault that occurred on her way to work Tuesday morning, while the York Police Department is seeking the public's help in solving the case.

Police are in the midst of investigating the assault, which took place at 7:40 a.m. on Aug. 19, according to a report issued by Sgt. Thomas Baran. At that time, a 15-year-old girl was riding her bicycle to work along Freeman Street in York Beach when a silver Dodge Grand Caravan pulled alongside her. The driver asked her some questions through the passenger's side window, according to police reports, and the girl then crossed in front of the vehicle to take a side street.

York Police Chief Doug Bracy explained that the man, while remaining seated in the van, grabbed a shoulder bag the girl was wearing, and when she pulled away from him, hit her in the face, knocking her from the bicycle.

At that point, the man drove away and the girl went into York Beach's downtown area, where police were called.

Bracy said the teen sustained multiple injuries, including bruising and scrapes, but added they were not serious in nature. She was tended to by York Beach Fire and Rescue after the assault, but was not taken to the hospital.

When it comes to a case like this, Bracy said, "The motives really concern us. ... We're doing everything we can to follow up on it."

The department has received calls and has been investigating potential leads in the case, but no arrest had been made as of press time. Police are also in contact with other law enforcement agencies across the region to determine whether there have been similar cases outside of town.

Bracy said it may seem unusual for such an incident to occur in a densely-populated area like Freeman Street, but said it is an example of the unpredictable tactics a criminal might use.

"Unfortunately, these things do happen," Bracy said, "and we want our teenagers to be aware."

Bracy urged local residents to contact the York police if they have any information on a van or individual matching the description of the vehicle or its driver.

The suspect is described as being a white male between the ages of 40 and 50, clean shaven, with sandy blonde hair. He was wearing a gray t-shirt with sleeves down to the elbows at the time of the incident.

The vehicle is described as a fairly new silver metallic Dodge Grand Caravan with tinted windows in the rear and sliding doors on both sides.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Police Department at 363-4444.