Albany Police are investigating an assault early Sunday morning on a 23 year-old girl.

Police say the Schenectady woman was walking south on Pine Street just after 4:00 a.m.  and as she approached Broadway she noticed she was being followed by a man.  She told police that as she got to the area of 488 Broadway she was punched in the face and choked when she fell on the ground.

The victim screamed, and was able to get away and flag down an officer.  She was taken to Albany Medical Center with a laceration to her nose and some abrasions.

The suspect is described as a white male wearing a long sleeve gray t-shirt.  Police say they searched the area, but so far have not come up with anything.

Anyone who might have witnessed anything is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Unit at (518) 462-8039.

The Albany Police always stress that for your own personal safety you should not walk alone late at night in isolated areas.  Woman, particularly should at all times if possible walk with someone else or get escorted to where ever their destination is and walk in well lighted areas.