W. Hartford woman raped on morning jog

West Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A West Hartford woman on her morning jog was sexually assaulted Wednesday morning. The incident has prompted schools in the area to be on alert.

The woman's identity has not been released. Police say she was out on her usual route on Fern Street around 7am when the suspect jumped out of the bushes and raped her. She ran to a nearby house for help and was transported to Hartford Hospital with serious injuries.

The woman did not know her attacker and he is still being sought by police. He's described as a black male in his 40s. He's about 5'11" with a thin build and was wearing a grey sweatshirt and a hat.

The attack has Cheryl Jackson, who lives in the area and is also an avid runner, on alert.

"It's just scary that it happened so close to home, it's awful to happen anywhere but when it's this close, it's scary and I feel terrible," she said.

School officials in West Hartford say they are beefing up police presence at Morley Elementary School, Whiting Lane Elementary School and Bristow Middle School while parents pick up and drop off their children.