Last updated at 9:48 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15
ANCHORAGE — Police are asking the public for help finding a man accused of sexual assault at a home in the Anchorage area of Northwood Elementary and the Spenard Recreation Center.
According to a release from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), the assault took place at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7. The man knocked on the front door of the home and asked the victim if the homeowner was there and when they would return.
“This appears to be a random situation, the victim not knowing the suspect in any kind of way and not knowing why the suspect particularly targeted this residence and this victim,” APD spokesperson Jennifer Castro said.
A sketch of the unidentified man was sent out Friday by police. APD described the man as a “light skinned African-American, about 5’10”, slight athletic build, in his late teens or early twenties,” adding that his hair is said to be longer on top than the sides and he may have some facial hair. The release states the man was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and jeans.
APD did not specify when the assault was reported, but neighbors said they saw a heavy police presence in the area roughly two weeks ago. One man who has lived in the neighborhood his whole life said criminal activity is rare.
“Just random robberies and stuff like that. No sexual assaults. Nothing like that,” said Joseph Taylor.
Police did not give details as to why it took 12 days to let the public know about the assault.
“It takes time to put together this information, to gather the information as well as verify the information. So today was the day where we had all those pieces together,” said Castro.
Several people who live in the neighborhood said they were disappointed in the delay.
“When something happens in the neighborhood, I think people should know,” said Quintin Hunicke. “Bring it out in the open. Let people know. People have the right to know.”
One woman said she regularly tells her kids to not answer the door, but wishes she could have reminded them after the assault.
“If there’s a man on the loose that’s a sex offender, that’s really scary,” said Crisalyn Ruiz.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 907-786-8900 and ask to be connected with detectives in the Special Victims Unit. If anyone has had a man matching the description above try to knock on their door, police would like those people to contact them as soon as possible.
Anchorage police encourages residents to never open the door for anyone they are not expecting or do not know. Police stated that if a stranger comes to the door asking for help, contact police and report the information.
