Police Searching for Sexual Assault Suspect in Phoenix
Police are looking for a man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman at her apartment in downtown Phoenix.
According to Silent Witness, on Saturday, March 19 before 8:30 p.m., a 21-year-old woman was followed by a man to her apartment near 3rd and Roosevelt streets.
The man reportedly pretended to be looking for a different apartment, but when she entered her residence and closed the door, the suspect pushed the door open and entered.
He grabbed the victim and tried to drag her to her bedroom, but the victim’s roommate came out of his room and chased him off.
“I think it’s really crazy, honestly,” said Steven Samaniego, a tenant at Roosevelt Point Apartments where the incident happened. “There’s a lot of hidden spots the cameras can’t really see.”
Residents say they’ve learned to watch their backs.
“I actually had an encounter, as well, not to that extreme, but I did see someone strange walking around and trying to come in behind me,” Miller said.
Even though the gates are secured and there are surveillance cameras all around the building, it wasn’t enough to keep a bad guy out.
“Coming in and out, you just assume that they live here too, so that’s tough to decipher if someone really forgot their keys or if they are just sneaking in,” said Grady Gavigan, another resident.
Video footage from the apartment elevator shows the suspect attempting to change clothes before leaving the building.
He is described as a Hispanic or Native American in his early to mid 20s. He’s about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds.
If you know anything, please contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Silent Witness is offering up to $1,000 for helpful information.
Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445