Mom of 12-Year-Old Sexual Assault Victim Takes Down Suspect

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The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in their Forestville apartment building last week spotted the suspected attacker and knocked him to the ground, but he escaped, police say.

Prince George’s County Police officers were called to the 2100 block of Brooks Drive at about 7:05 a.m. May 13. Investigators say the suspect followed the girl onto an elevator in the building. When the girl got off the elevator, the suspect forced her to the ground and sexually assaulted her in a hallway. He then ran away.

SEE ALSO: Arrest Warrant Issued in Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old

Police now know the suspect has a tattoo of the word “blessed” on his neck, as well as a tattoo of a star on each shoulder, all believed to be in black ink. He also has a birthmark or scar on his face.

This additional information came to light after the victim’s mother spotted the suspect near the apartment building in the 2100 block of Brooks Drive around 1 p.m. Friday. The woman lunged at the suspect and forced him to the ground, but he was able to get away despite a search by patrol units, a K9 and a U.S. Park Police helicopter.

“We’re thankful the mother wasn’t hurt,” police said on their blog Monday. “The Prince George’s County Police Department does not encourage anyone to engage suspects on their own.”

The suspect is described as a black male, 17 to 22 years old, about 5’6” to 5’9”, shoulder-length dreadlocks and a tattoo on his left forearm. He wore a white T-shirt, blue jeans and a red baseball cap.

Detectives canvassed the 2100 block of Brooks Drive Thursday night.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in the case.

Anyone with information on this case or the suspect’s identity is asked to call the CID Sexual Assault Unit at (301) 772-4908.

Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” to CRIMES (274537) on your cell phone or go www.pgcrimesolvers.comand submit a tip online.

»Screenshot of sexual assault suspect from Prince George’s County Police Department video, courtesy of YouTube