COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus police are investigating a seventh sexual assault as part of what is being called the Northwest Serial Rape investigation, NBC 4's Paul Stelzer reported.
This equals seven rapes and/or sexual assaults tied to the serial rapist from June to November 2008.
Police said in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 2, a woman was sexually assaulted inside her apartment on Marlowe Court on the far West Side of Columbus.
It was a location close to the fourth sexual assault.
PREVIOUS STORIES:
Oct. 30: FBI Profiler Works On Serial Rapist Case
Oct. 30: Search Continues For Serial Rapist
Oct. 29: Residents On Edge With Rapist On The Loose
Oct. 29: New Information Gathered On Serial Rapist
Oct. 28: Police Ask For Help Finding Serial Rapist
Police said the victim in the most recent case was a white female in her 20s.
Detectives said most of the victims are white women in their 20s. Five of the seven attacks occurred in the early morning hours when the women were sleeping alone in their beds, police said.
The suspect has taken care to mask his face and not leave behind forensic evidence at the scene.
The suspect description remains very vague. Police said the suspect's approximate height is 5 feet 6 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall. His race is unknown.
In the most recent case, he wore a mask, hooded sweatshirt and gloves, similar to what he's worn during each attack.
Sgt. David Pelfrey said authorities have received more than 100 tips since first asking for the public's help in late October.
Police said that heightened awareness is the best way to protect yourself.
The standard safety tips include always being aware of your surroundings, locking doors and windows, using a safety bar to prop against sliding doors and windows and changing your routine.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 614-645-2437 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.
A $2,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person responsible for the attacks.
SEXUAL-ASSAULT MAP
Search an interactive map where police said the serial rapist has attacked women.
Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for more information on this developing story.
To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement