NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans police are asking for the public's help in finding a man wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a tourist in the French Quarter.

Frederick West, 47, whom police say is homeless, faces one count of sexual battery and one count of aggravated battery in an Oct. 2 attack on a 19-year-old woman from California. The attack occurred at 4:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Decatur Street.

According to investigators, the victim was sleeping behind a business when she was awakened by West, who molested her and hit her repeatedly in the face, head and torso with a 4-foot wooden dowel.

West fled the scene. The victim was treated at a local medical facility and has since been released.

Crimestoppers, at (504) 822-1111, is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to West's arrest and indictment. Callers do not have to give their name nor testify in court.