February 27, 2004
Police Issue Alert On Sexual Assaults
Detectives Hypothesize Link Between Two Crimes In Southeast Portland
Earlier this week, we said we don't post releases out of the Portland Police Bureau, and while we don't intend to make a habit of it, we're going to pass along what just came over the wires -- mainly because, although we write about Portland as a whole, we do live in SE Portland, and many of our friends and acquaintances do as well.
Portland Police Detectives advise that two sexual assaults have occurred in a Southeast neighborhood, and they may be linked.
On November 22, 2003, at about 8:45p.m, a white female in her twenties was walking in the area of Southeast 18th Avenue and Southeast Stark Street. She was approached by a male subject who grabbed her. He then forced her, at knifepoint, to a nearby location, where she was sexually assaulted. The suspect in this case is described as a clean-shaven white male, 35-40 years old, 5'7"-5'10", medium build.
On February 26, 2004, at around 6:30 p.m., a white female was walking her dog in the area of Southeast 20th Avenue and Southeast Taylor Street. She was approached by a male subject who grabbed her and forced her into a nearby park. He then sexually assaulted her at knifepoint. The suspect in this incident is described as a clean-shaven white male in his 20's, 5'7", medium build. He had dark brown or black hair, and was wearing khaki pants and a dark coat.
Detectives are advising women in the area to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when out walking alone. Police also urge people to call 9-1-1 whenever they see suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
The notice asks that anyone who might have information on either of these cases contact Detective Sue Fachini at 503-823-0885 or 503-823-4636, and states that detectives hope to have a composite sketch available for release sometime next week.
Comments (1)
Stacie on 27 Feb 2004
Women who are assaulted can access advocates through the Portland Women's Crisis Line at 503-235-5333. Advocates are available to go to the hospital for rape exams, to the court for trial support as well as general case management and empowerment.