Lancaster cops have suspects in two sexual attacks
Reward at $10,000
Kilmarnock Town Manager Tom Saunders said police are investigating several suspects in connection with the early morning break-ins last week in Kilmarnock’s Chase Street neighborhood. In both cases, the suspect displayed a weapon and sexually assaulted the victims, according to police.
As of Tuesday, a reward of $10,000 had been posted in the case.
The first assault occurred between 5 and 6 a.m. November 28. The victim’s husband was asleep upstairs, but because of impaired hearing he did not hear anything, including their barking dog, police said. The second assault happened three days later, at about 5:45 a.m. December 1. The victim was alone at the time.
The incidents have caused a wave of concern throughout the area and many, many phone calls, town officials said. Saunders asked the public for patience as the investigation continues.
“Town, county and state resources are being applied. Nothing is being held back. All agencies are cooperating fully, including Del. Albert Pollard’s office,” said Saunders.
“Despite what you see on television, it takes time for forensic tests to be completed,” he said. “Arrests will not be held up because of this, but it is essential to give the authorities time to do their work.”
Saunders asked citizens to check http://www.RRecord.com for the latest information and not call police and tie up phone lines unless they have information about the case or need help.
In addition to reward money of up to $1,000 offered through Lancaster County Crime Solvers, town officials put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the rapist. Saunders asked citizens and businesses to pledge money to the fund, which had reached $10,000 by Tuesday at noon.
“We are very grateful to the individuals, businesses and civic groups that have dug deep to support this request,” Saunders said.
In response to numerous phone calls following the assaults, the town hosted an informational meeting last Wednesday in the town hall. Some 50 citizens attended but received very few details about the crimes.
“We can’t comment on some aspects of the case “because several victim’s rights laws come into play,” said Saunders.
The description of the suspect in both crimes is a slight to medium build black man 5 feet 5 inches to 6 feet tall. Saunders said the victims could not give a better description because it was dark. In both cases, the assailant gained entrance through a back door. Fingerprints and other forensic evidence gathered at the scenes are being processed.
“Hopefully, he’ll be in the system,” said Kilmarnock chief of police Mike Bedell.
If he doesn’t have a record, it could take time to find him, he said.
“Rumors of assaults of young children or teenagers are false,” said chief Bedell. “The crimes do not go beyond what the Rappahannock Record is reporting. We are not withholding information. There has been some random doorbell ringing,” by young people as a joke, he said. However, police still respond to the calls.
Officials issued these safety tips:
- Display county-issued 911 reflective house numbers so they are clearly visible.
- Leave front and rear porch lights on all night to make it easier for patrolling units to see your house.
- Keep a light on in the house and a night light on in your bedroom so that if you are awakened during the night, you won’t be in a totally dark room.
- Use deadbolt locks, preferably those that are keyed inside and outside. Do not leave the key in the inside lock or too close to the door or window where an intruder could reach them.
- If you have sliding doors, place a strong stick in the track so that even if the lock is forced the door cannot be opened.
- Lock car doors at all times.
- As an alternative to pepper spray, a can of hornet spray can be just as effective. Buy it from a hardware store, supermarket or pest control service and keep it near your bed.
“If you hear something, call 911,” said county administrator Bill Pennell. “You’re not disturbing the dispatcher.”
Middlesex Sheriff Guy Abbott also recommends “keeping your car alarm remote with you. Pressing the ‘panic’ button will blow the car’s horn. Your neighbors should hear it and call police.”
Abbott also said neighbors should check on each other.
Tips should be called in to Lancaster County Crime Solvers at 462-7463.