Sex Offense

[Howard Hartman]

	City of Takoma Park Police Department 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 16, 2012	Public Information Office              301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

Sex Offense

On August 15, 2012, at approximately 5:43 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 6800 block of Eastern Avenue for a suspicious situation. The victim reported that while she was outside, a man approached her asking for directions to College Park. The victim recognized this individual as a person who approached her the previous day, between 7:15 – 7:45 p.m., at the Takoma metro station platform, also requesting directions. The victim indicated that on both days, the suspect’s actions were odd, as he kept brushing his book back against her leg. She tried to put distance between herself and the suspect, but he continued his actions. During the encounter on August 14, the victim stated that once she boarded the metro train, the suspect continued to follow her, but when she arrived at her stop, the suspect stayed on the train. During the encounter on August 15, the suspect acknowledged having run into the victim the previous day. The suspect again began asking her for directions while continuing to be close to her with his book bag, brushing it against her leg. The victim then noticed that the suspect ‘s cell phone was recording underneath her skirt, through a hole in his book bag. The victim attempted to take the book bag from the suspect and it ripped. The suspect picked up the book bag and cell phone and fled on foot in an unknown direction on Eastern Avenue. The victim notified police.

The suspect is described as a black male, dark brown skin, short hair, 6’1-6’2, approximately 18-25 years old, last seen wearing a green polo shirt and blue jeans.

Takoma Park Detectives received information that there may be a second victim. Detectives would like to hear from any others who may have had a similar encounter with this subject. Investigation continues under case #12040439. Anyone who has information about this crime, or if you believe you have been a victim, please call us at 301.270.1100.

6800 Block of Eastern Avenue in Takoma Park