Independence Division officers responded to the call for service placed by the victim who stated that as she was starting her car she was approached by a black male suspect armed with a knife who forced her back inside her home. Once inside the home, the suspect bound the victim and her 14 year old child. A second child (six years old) inside the home was not bound by the suspect. After the suspect robbed and sexually assaulted the victim, he fled the home on foot towards Country Oaks Road. As soon as the victim was able to free herself of her restraints, she called 911 to report the incident.
The suspect is described as a black male, 18-19 years old, about 5’9” tall and 160 pounds. He has a dark complexion and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue bandana and a winter style hat with flaps that folded down to cover his ears. He was also wearing a distinctive jacket, which was recovered by the K-9 Unit while searching the area for the suspect.
A photograph of the recovered clothing is shown above in an attempt to have anyone who recognizes the clothing assist in the identification of the suspect.
Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. The K-9 Unit responded to the scene to aid patrol officers in their search for the suspect. A dog and its handler tracked the suspect behind the victim’s house to Country Oaks Road, where they located clothing worn by the suspect and the knife he used during the assault. The Helicopter Unit assisted in the search for the suspect as well.
Representatives with Child Development-Community Policing Partners (CD-CP) responded to the scene to provide crisis intervention services to the children. The mother was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the suspect is eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.