COLUMBUS – Police hope new photographs will help them catch a violent rapist they fear may strike again.
The man (above), described only as a male white, between 25 and 30 years of age, brutally assaulted a woman at her home in the early morning hours of Aug. 22 after the two had spent hours together on an impromptu date, said Sgt. David Pelphrey of Special Victims Bureau Sexual Assault Unit.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or go to their website and e-mail a tip.
Police have no evidence to suggest the man has attacked any women previously, but Pelphrey says they are concerned he may attack again.
“Because of the violent nature of the assault, yes, there is a fear that he could do this again,” he said.
According to Pelphrey, the man, described as outgoing and charming, beat the woman so badly she was hospitalized overnight.
The two met while the man was shopping at the store near Sawmill Road and Tuller Parkway where the woman worked in customer service, Pelphrey said. He believes the two first met at around 9:00 p.m. and agreed to meet later, the man waited in the store parking lot returned and the two left the store at about 11:00 p.m., visiting several bars and restaurants before eventually going to the woman’s home, not far from her workplace, at approximately 4:00 a.m.
“For some reason or another, he felt that he was privileged or had the position (of making sexual advances) toward her and, of course when she refused those, the situation became violent,” Dudley said
Investigators uncovered photos from retail establishments, a taxi cab and an Uber vehicle depicting the man and they hope these photos will help them track him down. They also say the suspect has a sunburst tattoo on his right upper chest (above).
Crime Stoppers does not use caller ID or record telephone conversations. A special coding system protects the identity of the caller.