Boulder Woman Sexually Assaulted On Charity Ruse
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - A man pretending to collect money for charity forced his way into a woman's home in Boulder on Wednesday evening and sexually assaulted her, police said.
The victim told police the suspect knocked on her door and claimed to be a neighbor. She didn't recognize him, police said. He then pushed his way into the victim's home and groped her. She told police she thought if she gave him money, he would leave, but when she went into her bedroom to retrieve cash, he followed her and assaulted her there.
She was otherwise not injured.
While searching for the suspect, police said neighbors reported being approached at their doors by a solicitor matching the suspect's description.
Police said the suspect is white, college aged and 5-foot-8 to 6-feet tall with short blond hair that is shorter on the sides and longer on the top. The victim said the suspect has a larger nose and is clean-shaven. He was wearing blue jeans and possibly a red shirt.
The suspect faces sexual assault and first-degree burglary charges. The assault occurred in the 1800 block of 22nd Street at approximately 6:25 p.m.
Residents were on edge Thursday.
"It's absolutely horrible, so close to home. In Boulder, you just don't expect something like that to happen. You don't expect people to be taking advantage that way, especially to a community that has a very big heart, that would help out any charity it could," resident Lonnie Leecomer said. "It's really scary and kind of appalling to know that somebody is taking advantage of that, especially a lot of the younger folk around this neighborhood."
Police are working on a sketch of the suspect. They've asked anyone with information to call 303-441-1890. Those with information but who want to remain anonymous should call the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776.
