UTICA, NY – A suspect who has exhibited a pattern of home invasion and sexual assault remains on the loose in Utica. Now police are advising the public to lock and secure their homes.
A 15-year-old girl was being raped by an adult male home invasion and robbery suspect was able to free herself and escape her attacker on Saturday.
Police in Utica reported the incident at 6:55 pm on South Street.
“A 15-year-old female had entered her residence to retrieve some items when she encountered a male inside a bedroom,” the Utica Police Department said. “Upon seeing her the male ran toward her and observing this she attempted to flee from the home, however the male grabbed her and forced her onto a couch. The male placed his hand over her mouth and threatened to kill her if she moved.”
He then tried to unzip her pants and force his hand down them.
The girl was able to break free. Although officers arrived shortly afterward, the suspect had already fled.
While the investigation was ongoing on South Street, police received a call reporting a second home invasion and rape inside a home on Hilton Avenue six blocks southeast.
“Upon their arrival, officers spoke to a 67-year-old female victim who stated that she was sleeping on her living room couch when she noticed a male walking up her stairs,” police reported. “She yelled at the male, and the male then came toward her. After he approached her, the suspect sexually assaulted her in the living room. Again, heroically the victim was able to ultimately flee her home and run to a neighbor’s to call 911.”
At this time, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified.
“Since these reports the Utica Police Department has been working nonstop in an effort to identify and locate this individual. In this release we have included both still shots and video in an effort to publicly disseminate the suspect description,” the Utica Police Department said. “We are asking for the public’s assistance with this investigation.”
If you can be of assistance please contact the Utica Police Department at 315 223 3461.