POLICE SKETCH: Columbia Rape Suspect

The Howard County Police Department has released a sketch of the suspect in Wednesday’s rape at the Columbia Landing Apartments in the 8800 block of Tamar Drive.

Police initially offered a reward of $1,000 for information. That amount has since quintupled, police said.

“The reward in the case has been increased to up to $5,000, with a contribution from the apartment management company,” the Howard County Police Department reported Friday. Equity Management is the apartment manager.

• Anyone with information may submit tips to police at 410-313-STOP.

Police began investigating the crime after a woman came to a resident’s door seeking help after being assaulted and raped in a vacant unit at the apartment shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, police said.

The suspect, who was wearing black sweatpants and no shirt, had tried to engage the victim in conversation when he ”suddenly pulled her into a vacant apartment, where he physically assaulted and raped her,” police reported.

Authorities said Friday that the man may have been staying in the vacant apartment, where there were no signs of forced entry.

The victim, a woman in her thirties, did not live in the building, according to police.

Authorities said the suspect was described as follows:

• Black man possibly 30 years or older
• Gold/bleached dreadlocks or braids, approximately 2 to 3 inches in length
• Pronounced cheek bones
• Cheeks appear darker than the rest of his face, which was of medium complexion
• Muscular, medium build
• Wearing black sweatpants and no shirt

Police said that the suspect may have been in the area last week and encouraged anyone who might have seen him near the building to alert authorities.

If residents have seen a man resembling the suspect or matching his description, police encourage them to contact the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-STOP.

Related:

• Police Say Columbia Rape Suspect May Have Been in Area Last Week
• After Columbia Apartment Rape, Police Offer $1K Reward for Info

Sketch courtesy of the Howard County Police Department.