GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Detectives investigating the attack and rape of a jogger Wednesday morning call it one of the worst sexual assaults they have seen.

Police said a 36-year-old woman was attacked around 6:30 a.m. on a path at the intersection of south west 94th Street and 46th Boulevard just outside of the Indigo Square neighborhood in Haile Plantation.

Detectives said the assailant was apparently not afraid of getting caught, because the attack happened just off a busy intersection in a heavily populated area.

Investigators told WCJB-TV that the rapist jumped out from a wooded area and pistol-whipped her in the face. He severely beat her, ripped off her clothing, and was raping her until another female jogger came along.

"The second jogger did not immediately know what was occurring," said Gainesville police Lt. Steve Maynard. "She thought the female was somehow injured and in need of aid, and that, in fact, the male was rendering some sort of aid to her. He casually walked off, got in the vehicle and drove away."

The Gainesville neighborhood known for it's quaint walking and running trails was put on alert after the incident.

"This is a total surprise to have this happen in our community. That's one of the reason's why this criminal thought he could get away with it,” said resident Ed Tilton.

He said everyone in the neighborhood has been more cautious.

The attacker is described as a clean-cut black man with short hair who was wearing a black shirt and black pants. The car is described as a dark-colored four-door sedan.

Investigators ask that anyone who might have seen the man or his car to call Detective Heather Phillips with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office at 352-367-4185.

Since the attack, the sheriff's office has put more uniformed and plain clothed officers in the area to investigate. They said they couldn’t rule out the possibility the attack may strike again.

“They're doing extra law enforcement. I wouldn't be surprised if the guy didn't live too far from here,” Tilton said.

On Wednesday, May 28, community members plan to meet at 6:30 a.m. at the entrance to the Indigo Square neighborhood, where the attack happened. Participants will walk in support of the victim and the community.

Also, at 9 a.m. on the same day, there will be another event in the Haile Village Courtyard between the playground the Village Market. River Cross Church will be open at 8:30 a.m. for a prayer gathering before the 9 a.m. walk starts.

Organizers have asked that participants bring a flower to be placed at the crime site and for participants to wear purple.