Gaithersburg Rape Suspect Sketch Released By Police

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The Montgomery County Police are looking for a man they believe sexually assaulted a woman in Gaitherburg early in the morning of July 26. Detectives say the 26-year-old victim was attacked as she left a restaurant at the Quince Orchard Plaza shopping center with the suspect, according to a news release.

Police on Saturday released a composite sketch of the suspect and are asking for the public’s help in identifying him. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s, about 5′ 3″ tall, and weighs about 200 pounds.

According to Montgomery County Police reports, on Wednesday, July 26, the sexual assault occurred about 2:30 a.m. outside of Quincy's Bar and Grille, 616 Quince Orchard Road. Once the man and woman were outside the restaurant, the man allegedly forced her to a grassy area adjacent to the shopping center.

The victim told police officers she freed herself from the suspect’s grasp as he was forcing her to the field, but he was able to regain a hold on her, and then subsequently raped the woman. After the assault, the suspect fled and the woman drove to her home to report the assault to police.

Detectives ask anyone who recognizes the suspect or who may have information about the assault to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5050. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to their line that leads to an arrest and/or indictment for this crime.

Image courtesy of Montgomery County Police