8 Women Victimized By Serial Rapist
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Monday said there have been seven sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault on the city's northeast side since January 1st.
Godbee said the attacks involved seven Detroit women and one woman from Clinton Township. Seven of the women, ranging in age from 17 to 33, were attacked while walking to or from a bus stop.
"But we want to caution all residents in the city of Detroit either eastside or westside and our suburban neighbors to please take note of this information because of the mobility of the suspect as we believe it," Godbee said.
Investigators have looked into 71 tips. Nine males have been arrested in the target area on a variety of charges.
Godbee said police are awaiting scientific results from evidence sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab for testing.
"The science is going to have a critical aspect going forward," Godbee said adding the lab results will allow investigators to exclude any possible suspects or identify a suspect.
Police released three composite sketches of a possible suspect after talking with the victims.
Police listed the criminal sexual assaults as:
1. Crime: Attempt CSC
Date and Time: 1-1-11 at 5:54 am
Location: 19100 block of E. 7 Mile
Victim: African American Female (19)
2. Crime: CSC 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-1-11 at 6:15 am
Location: 14200 Gratiot
Victim: African American Female (17)
3. Crime: CSC 1 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-4-11 at 3:45 am
Location: 13900 block of Gratiot
Victim: African- American (26)
4. Crime: CSC 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-5-11 at 10:30 pm
Location: 14000 block of Hazelridge
Victim: African American Female (19)
5. Crime: CSC 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-6-11 at 11:00 pm
Location: 18000 block of Schoenherr
Victim: African-American Female (18)
6. Crime: CSC 1 Degree
Date and Time: 1-8-11 @4:30 am
Location: 9000 block of Cadieux.
Victim: African-American Female (20)
7. Crime: CSC 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-10-11 at 7:40 pm
Location: 18800 block of Charleston
Victim: African American Female (17)
8. Crime: CSC 1st Degree
Date and Time: 1-13-11 at 2:40 am
Location: 9400 block of Beaconsfield
Victim: African American Female (33)
If anyone has information about the suspects, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or the DPD's Sex Crimes at (313) 596-1950.
"We are encouraging citizens to come forward if they think they know or have information relating to these suspects and/or cases," Godbee said. "The apprehension of this suspect is a priority and I am optimistic that with the assistance of citizens, community organizations, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will take this suspect into custody."
Godbee also said the police department is encouraging men to step up, similar to Detroit 300, to watch out for women in the area.
