Actions

Richmond prowler gropes woman in home break-in

Posted at 10:57 PM, Sep 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-16 06:38:39-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- A South Richmond break-in victim says she came face to face with the man wanted for at least six break-ins where he reported sexual assaulted or exposed himself to female victims.

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, says the incident happened during the early morning hours of Sunday, September 11.

What she initially thought was her cats ruffling with the blinds, was actually an intruder inside her St. Ann’s Drive home.

“I started talking to my cats… then he appeared,” she said. “He seemed huge to me. He was tall and he had on all black.”

The victim says the suspect inappropriately touched her, but he quickly fled through the back door after she started yelling and screaming.

break-in-victim

Police said the recent incidents occurred between August 29 and September 11.

All of the incidents took place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Ashley Park, Bramblewood Estates and St. John’s Wood neighborhoods off of Jahnke Road.

In some cases police says the man stands over the victims and exposes himself… in others, police say he gropes them.

Detectives say the suspect in the case entered homes through unlocked doors. Police are now asking people who live in the area to be on the look-out for suspicious activity.

The victim says at the time of the crime, she wasn’t aware of any other break-ins or sexual assaults in the area.

“I didn’t know and that’s what I was really upset about,” she said. “They hadn’t told us anything so we could be prepared and make sure our place was secure.”

The woman says she’s been on edge since the incident and hasn’t been able to sleep inside her home since the early morning break-in.

“I couldn’t stay in the house. I’ve been staying with a friend of mine.” she said. “I’ve been very afraid. Once it gets dark, it’s like he’s going to show up any minute.”

In each case, the suspect has been described as a black man with a small but muscular build with short hair in twists or curls. At the time of the incidents, he was seen wearing all black or dark clothing. He may also be wearing a beanie or stocking-style hat.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

A breakdown of the six incidents:

The first break-in and assault happened on August 29.

Officers responded to a report of a break-in and assault in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The victim stated she was awakened around 6:15 a.m. by an unknown black male inappropriately touching her. She screamed and when another resident entered the room the suspect fled.

Police said a similar break-in and assault was reported on September 2 in the 500 block of Harrow Road.

The victim reported waking up at approximately 2:15 a.m. to an unknown black male touching her inappropriately. Another resident came into the room and scared the suspect away.

Four days later on September 6, two incidents were reported in roughly an hour.

The first took place at about 6 a.m. in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The second happened around 7 a.m. in the 1400 block of Brownleaf Drive. Both victims reported hearing knocking at a bedroom window.

The victim on Marlowe Road turned on the outside light and saw an unknown black male, who ran away as the light came on. Police say they found signs of an attempt to force entry into the residence in a torn porch screen.

On Brownleaf Drive, the victim told police she saw an unknown male outside of her window exposing himself. He was last seen walking toward Whitesand Drive.

The fifth incident occurred on September 9 around 1 a.m.  Officers were called to the 500 block of Rossmore Drive in reference to a break-in and indecent exposure. The victim advised that an unknown black male entered her apartment, exposed himself and then fled on foot.

On the morning of September 11, officers responded to the 1000 block of St. Ann’s Drive for a reported break-in and assault just before 5 a.m.

The victim stated an unknown black male entered the home, touched her inappropriately then fled through the back door of the residence.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.