LCPD: Man broke into woman’s apartment, tried raping her while she showered
Las Cruces police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man who allegedly broke into a woman’s apartment while she was showering and attempted to rape her.
“She fought off the attacker and was able to free herself,” said Dan Trujillo, a spokesman for the Las Cruces Police Department.
The break-in happened at around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Stone Mountain Place apartment complex, near East Boutz Road and Espina Street. The woman did not recognize the man, but she told police he was light skinned, about six feet tall and appeared to be Hispanic. The victim said the suspect had a gray long-sleeve shirt and black baseball cap. She also told police he had multiple keys on a ring.
“A sexual assault by a stranger is very rare,” Trujillo said. “Most sexual assaults or rapes are committed by somebody who is known to the victim.”
Police say the man struck her several times and attempted to rape her. After scratching the man’s face, the woman called 9-1-1. However, he escaped before law enforcement could apprehend him.
“This is very unique and it’s very frightening,” Trujillo said. “The fact that we have somebody out there who has the potential to commit such a crime.”
Police urge anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. There is a $1,000 reward for information that helps identify the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.
