Lt. Brian Curlis said Monroe police are “very concerned” the suspect could strike again.
“It was very brazen of him to do this in broad daylight in a mall parking lot with active security patrolling the parking lot. We are very concerned about that,” he said.
Police are investigating the incident as a sexual assault, and have checked with other police departments to see if similar incidents have occurred.
“We checked ... with other agencies. We haven’t heard of anything like this in the area. Nothing fits this description,” he said.
The suspect is described as an unshaven man in his 30s with droopy eyes and a slight hooked nose. He may be of Asian Indian descent and stands about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds.
The suspect was last seen wearing a red, green and gray flannel-type shirt and dark shorts. He fled the scene on foot and got into a white GMC 2500 series service van, which was seen heading out of the parking lot toward Butler-Warren Road.
The vehicle, which had no markings, had silver rims and two extension ladders on top of the driver’s side of the van.
“We’re getting a few tips on license plates and we appreciate those tips,” Curlis said.
No video surveillance was available to police, and Curlis said they are considering having the victim working with a sketch artist to help identify her attacker.
“Be aware of your surroundings. When you’re walking out into a parking lot, don’t be texting. Be aware of your surroundings, and you’re less likely to be a victim,” Curlis said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Monroe police at (513) 539-9234.
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5237 or kcano@coxohio.com.
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