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John Daley reporting West Valley police are investigating the brutal assault and rape of a woman in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day.
Police say this was a disturbing attack, a home invasion which happened at an apartment building near Redwood Road. Later, the attacker forced the woman to drive him down Redwood Road in her car, in search of money and food.
It all started at an apartment near 3800 South and Redwood Road. A 45-year-old woman answered a knock on her door about midnight. It was a unknown man asking for people she didn't know.
The man blocked the door with his foot and threatened the woman, then dragged her into a back room, beat her, and sexually assaulted her.
Det. Mike Powell/ West Valley Police: "Very brutal, very traumatic incident for anybody. Unfortunately, we have a suspect outstanding, and he is definitely a threat to the public."
The man took some cash and credit cards and demanded she drive him in her car, first to an ATM machine where a surveillance camera captured an image of the man. He then made her take him to a fast food restaurant, threatening to kill her or members of her family.
She was able to escape when he went into a convenience store.
The suspect is described as caucasian male, 20 years old, 5' 9" or 5' 10" with short brown hair, several days growth with a goatee, and he has a tattoo on his upper left arm, possibly of a dragon.
Police suggest that you keep your doors locked and verify who is there before opening it. Also, they're asking for help...anyone with any information--is asked to call West Valley Police.
