LONGVIEW, Wash. -- Deputies said a woman was assaulted after she found a man breaking into her car at a care center's parking lot Monday.

The 35-year-old woman, who works as a nurse at the Northwest Continuum Care Center in Longview, was walking to her car at about 10:50 p.m. when a man exited her car and pushed her as he ran away, Cowlitz County deputies said.

The woman wasn't injured.

The victim described the man as white or light-skinned, in his mid-20s to early 30s, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He also had facial hair, possibly a goatee.

He was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans and was spotted running down the driveway toward Beacon Hill Drive.

A car was seen leaving the area as a deputy arrived and the driver matched the description of the assault suspect.

Deputies said the car was a four-door mid-1990s white Honda Civic.

Workers at the care center are taking precautions as they walk outside to their cars.

"As the economy gets the way it is, I imagine you're going to see more and more crime. People get desperate when there's no money," said Jim Thompson, who works at the center. "It's pretty safe but, you know, it's kind of surprising up here in the woods to see somebody get pushed over to get their purse, car or change or wallet or whatever."

Because the facility is in the hills of Longview, visitors at the care center said it might be an easy target for thieves.

"This is way out here. Like I said, I got lost just trying to get out here," said Debbie Carron.

The center's workers are now left to wonder if the thief will strike again.

"I'm sure they gave it some fore thought. I don't know what's going through their brains though. But the people up here are pretty tough -- I wouldn't tangle with them," Thompson said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.

Car Prowler Assaulted Nurse, Deputies Say