Ottawa police are on the search for a man wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman who was allegedly attacked in a parking lot in the city's south end.

Police say the woman was about to get into her vehicle on the 2600 block of Southvale Crescent when she was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted at about midnight on Monday.

Police say the man fled the scene on foot when another vehicle drove through the area. The woman was not seriously injured in the attack.

The suspect is described as an English-speaking black male who is about six feet tall and has a medium build. He was wearing baggy pants, white running shows, black gloves and a black ski mask at the time of the incident.

Investigators are also looking for the driver of the vehicle that drove through the area and may be a possible witness.

He is described as an older white male with grey hair. He was driving a 2002 or 2003 burgundy four-door sedan.

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS.