BY KEITH EPPS

A woman out walking her dog was assaulted during an attempted robbery late Tuesday in the England Run North section of Stafford County, authorities said.

Sheriff's spokesman Bill Kennedy said the woman and her small dog were near a street light on Elkton Drive about 11:25 p.m. when two men approached her from behind. They pushed the woman against a tree, knocking her to the ground. Her head struck the tree, leaving an abrasion on her forehead, Kennedy said.

The men then cursed at the woman as she was on the ground and one told her "Give me all of your money," Kennedy said. The woman turned her pockets inside out to show that she had no money, then was shoved back to the ground as she tried to stand up.

The men were last seen running around the corner of Newcastle Place heading toward Plantation Drive. The dog chased after them, but returned whimpering after being kicked.

Kennedy said the woman, who was crying when Deputy Chris Neuhard arrived, was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released. Police searched the area but were unable to find the assailants.

They were described as black or Hispanic males. One was about 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed about 200 pounds. He was wearing a red sweatshirt, blue jeans and a silver watch or bracelet.

The other was slender, about 5 feet 7 inches, wearing a black sweatshirt, jeans and new white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 658-4400 or Crime Solvers at 659-2020.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com