Police: Convicted Felon Threw Chemicals At Woman Who Refused To Marry Him

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Haven Police are searching for a man they say threw a caustic liquid at a woman who refused to marry him.

Police said in a news release Monday they believe the suspect -- Derek Lee Rawls, 50, of New Haven -- may have fled to the Atlanta, Georgia area. Rawls is a convicted felon and may be armed.

Police responded Friday evening to the victim's New Haven home, where officers recovered a plastic cup containing the chemical substance. Police have not said what the substance was.

The victim told officials that Rawls is her neighbor and that the two had previously dated.

She was treated at a local hospital for injuries to her face, neck, chest and arms. She is not being identified.

According to the Hartford Courant, police described Rawls as 5 feet 8 and about 220 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a scar on his cheek.

Rawls has convictions for first-degree escape, second-degree unlawful restraint, robbery and felonious assault, according to the New Haven Register.

Police ask anyone with information to call New Haven detectives.

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