Alexandria Police Investigate Sexual Assault Near Van Dorn Street
Incident is not believed to be connected to Holmes Run attacks.
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Alexandria police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Van Dorn Street and Courtney Avenue.
A 20-year-old city resident told police she was walking from the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and Van Dorn Street when she was approached by a man, who displayed a knife and demanded money. The woman told the man she didn’t have any money, according to police reports.
Police reports said he then grabbed the victim and pulled her over a guardrail and into the bushes, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The man then ran from the area, heading north toward South Pickett Street, according to police reports.
The suspect is described as Hispanic; in his late 20s or early 30s; approximately 5-foot-7; and about 150 pounds. He had short black hair and was clean shaven. At the time, he was wearing a dark brown T-shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes and black-framed glasses.
The victim was not seriously injured.
Detectives do not believe that this incident is related to the prior assaults that occurred in the Holmes Run area. Anyone with information about this incident or who might have been in the area is asked to call the criminal investigations section at 703-746-6711.
Callers can remain anonymous.
David
12:45 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012
While the Alexandria PD is probably the best there is they cannot be everywhere all the time. I think the best way to deter this type of crime is to not be a victim, learn how to defend yourself and be prepared to do so. What does this mean? First, acquire the tools you need (self defense classes, pepper spray, etc.), if more of these animals are caught, injured, or killed it is less likely they will try again. Second, be prepared. Don't walk down dark streets, remove the headphones, and keep the phone in your pocket. Be aware of your surroundings, if you think you are being stalked or followed stand at a busy intersection and call or wait for the police to come by. Do not create patterns or routines where you make yourself vulnerable, if a potential attacker knows you will be at a certain place at a certain time this makes his job much easier.
Don't ever say it will never happen to you, spend some time thinking about what you will do when it does!!
Gail G
3:55 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012
There was an armed robbery of the Duke St. Dunkin Donuts yesterday at 11 a.m. No place is safe anymore.
Matthew Braun
7:08 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Crime in Alexandria is still way down from previous years. We're safer than we have ever been.
McBrinn
8:23 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Imagine the courage it takes to rob a donut shop less than half a mile from police headquarters...
Matthew Braun
9:03 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Imagine the courage it takes to get a job and work every day.
Susan_H
9:54 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Way to miss the point Braun!
Amy Curry
7:54 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
I am thankful that we have this web site now so that when things happen, we can be aware and know what areas are "problem areas" and we can know what to look for. Hopefully we can start catching these people so this will occur less and less. Thank you to all the City employees/police who are making this possible.
Joe Chandler
2:10 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012
Unfortunately the only we can stay safe in todays society is through building awareness and building up our since of community. We provide Personal Safety and Self Defense Classes and Seminars at our the Safe & Fit Training Studio located at 4105 Duke Street Suite #201. We also go to train any groups or businesses. Next Saturday October 20 th at 4 PM is the next begging class andthe beginning of a 4 week series! Please contact Joe Chandler 571-527-7757 for small group or private training options.
David
2:33 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012
"Crime in Alexandria is still way down from previous years. We're safer than we have ever been." are you kidding me? I am sure most would agree that one rape in a year is too much. Its mindsets like yours that creates an environment for these animals to repeatedly commit crimes and be released from prison. So what is an acceptable level of rape, murder, robbery, and other violent crime? Do we have to wait until we have a crime rate comparable to DC or Chicago before we become outraged? These animals need to be locked away in real prisons (not the country clubs we have today) and left there.