The man the couple saw matches the suspect’s description as illustrated in this sketch created by a forensic artist. (The Herald/NPS)

National Park Service investigators are seeking to identify and question an individual who a local couple said meets the description of a man suspected of assaulting a woman in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The incident took place June 8 when a 44-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and stabbed on the Gatlinburg Trail. Officials since released a sketch of the suspect.

The couple said they saw the man on the Gatlinburg Trail a week ago, Wednesday, and again last Friday, near the time of the attack. Both his physical appearance and dress match that of the suspect.

During contact with the couple, the unknown man made statements suggesting that he is a roofer. The man is thought to drive a full-size, dark blue or black, standard-cab pickup truck.  Chief Ranger Clay Jordan emphasizes, however, it is not known whether this individual is actually the assailant or whether he truthfully identified his occupation.

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