AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Teens and businesses near the place where a 13-year-old girl was attacked over the weekend are reacting to the news.
“We just came from the game store and I’m just walking her to the bus stop now,” said Deyona Nave.
On Wednesday, police officers were walking the area near Iliff and Peoria in Aurora, going from business to business, gathering information about Saturday’s attack.
The girl was walking about 8:30 p.m. Saturday near East Iliff Avenue and South Peoria Street when she was grabbed and taken to a secluded area, according to police.
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The suspect threatened the girl with a weapon, physically assaulted and then sexually assaulted her.
“This case is a priority to us. This guy is a sexual predator. He took a 13-year-old girl and violently assaulted and raped her,” said Aurora Police Sgt. Chris Ansler.
(credit: CBS)
Jasmine Thomas said the attack involved a close friend of hers.
“Her mom actually messaged me and she didn’t tell me exactly what happened but she told me she was in the emergency room and something happened and to stay away from this area,” said Thomas.
Police say they are looking for a black man who was possibly in his 30s. He was described as being about 5-foot-8 with a slim build. He was clean shaven with a dark complexion and high cheekbones. His hair was messy and stuck up about 4 inches.
Detectives believe the suspect may have been in that same area a few hours prior to the attack, possibly at the 7-Eleven store or riding an RTD bus. Just around the corner is Overland High School.
Jory Ray owns the game shop nearby, which is a popular place for teens to hang out. He said the young girl was a regular and that what happened was heartbreaking.
“It’s just terrible but it’s the type of thing that I’m trying to prevent by putting a place like this in the community,” said Ray.
Additional Resources
Aurora police released the following information about this case:
Anyone who has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Agent Doug Kasten with the Crimes Against Children Unit at 303-739-6208 or dkasten@auroragov.org. Tipsters can also provide information on this case and remain anonymous by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867) or by texting a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and then use the title DMCS and enter the message. By doing so, tipsters may be eligible to earn a reward of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000).
