Baltimore Police Investigating Attempted Rape Near Johns Hopkins University
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Police are investigating an attempted rape near Johns Hopkins University. Detectives say a teenager fought off the attacker, but the suspect is on the loose.
Weijia Jiang has the message from police.
Police are looking for a man they say tried to sexually assault an 18-year-old. It happened on Thursday around 6:30 p.m. on the edge of Johns Hopkins University's main campus at a park off Greenway Avenue.
"I actually was walking out here last night past the park, and now hearing this it's scary," said Jennifer Minor, Baltimore.
Investigators say the man tried to talk to the victim and her friend who were sitting on a bench, and then he dropped his pants, exposed his privates and threatened them.
"The victims tried to flee the location, the suspect tackled one of the girls, attempted to sexually assault her," said Anthony Guglielmi, Baltimore City Police spokesperson.
The victim was able to break free when she kicked the attacker. That's when he ran off.
"I am kind of freaked out it happened so close to where I live," said Anne L., Johns Hopkins freshman.
Hopkins administrators hope to ease growing concerns from students. They sent out an alert about the incident. Now they're adding more security.
"As the Baltimore police adjust their patrols we will adjust ours to supplement and reinforce what their doing to make sure there's the right amount of attention being paid to the whole area," said Dennis O'Shea, Johns Hopkins University.
So far police only have a generic description of the suspect.
"He's described as a black male, approximately mid to late 20s, 140 pounds, 5'7" to 5'8"," Guglielmi said.
Until he's found many are on guard.
"It does anger me a bit because there's not too much we can do about it," said Jessie Gelles, Baltimore. "There's not much we can do to prevent this man from going to another park tonight and doing the same thing."
Right now detectives are working on a composite sketch of the suspect with the victim.
Police say at this time it does not appear the incident is linked to other recent crimes in the area.
