At 9:30 Monday morning, Albany police received a disturbing call that a woman was raped, and the suspect is on the loose. Our Erin Vannella reports.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- Albany police say it happened on Dove Street near Washington Avenue.

"The victim said that she was in her basement apartment and had just gotten home from shopping when someone knocked on her door," said Albany Police Department Public Information Officer James Miller. "When she went to the door, a man pushed his way in, started assaulting her. He then grabbed her, pinned her arms behind her, dragged her onto the bed and proceeded to rape her."

Police said the man then demanded money. The 21-year-old woman handed over the cash in her wallet and the man ran out. He hasn't been caught.

"There's a large commute into the city at that time, particularly down Washington Avenue," said Miller. "If anybody saw the suspect, we don't have a really great description of him, black male, large build, he had a brown sweatshirt on."

The fact that it was daylight and at an unassuming hour for trouble is one reason neighbors said they found the news so disconcerting. It's also one reason police said it's best to be alert at all times.

"Just be aware of your surroundings," said Miller. "Practice crime prevention, which you should really do every day and your own personal safety as well."

Police said the surprise circumstances of this case are less common than that of most reported rapes and it's why they want the public to know.

"That's one of the reasons why we wanted to get it out very quickly...to warn that specific neighborhood just to keep them on alert, particularly women, maybe be a little more vigilant right now about your safety," said Miller.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Division at (518) 462-8039.