BOULDER, Colo. - A Boulder woman was attacked by a man while walking Monday afternoon, but pepper-sprayed the attacker and escaped, police said.

Now, Boulder police are asking the public to help them identify the man who grabbed the woman from behind at about 4:15 p.m. Monday as she was walking east on Colorado Avenue toward 28th Street on the edge of the University of Colorado campus, police said.

The woman told police the man grabbed her with an arm-hold across her neck. She was carrying a pepper-spray canister in her hand and was able to spray her attacker in his face, said Boulder police spokeswoman Kim Kobel.

The man then hit the woman and he yelled as she struggled to get away, Kobel said. The attacker eventually fled the area.

The victim called police and received medical treatment at the scene for injuries from the attack, Kobel said.

The woman described her attacker as a white man who was wearing a gray-colored, baggy sweatshirt with a dark blue or black knit stocking cap.

Police said the attacker may have red or watery eyes, and he may have had a distinct odor of pepper spray on his body or clothing Monday night.

Three bicyclists were crossing the street at the time of the attack and may have witnessed it. Police would like to speak to the cyclists to see if they can provide details about the attacker and the assault. Police would also like to talk with any motorists or pedestrians who may have seen the assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeremy Frenzen at 303-441-1890. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on this suspect may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers