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Three women attacked in two separate incidents Date published: 2/6/2010
BY KEITH EPPS Fredericksburg police are investigating an incident that occurred early yesterday morning in which two mentally-impaired women were violently sexually assaulted in an apartment they share. The attack occurred at the Commons at Cowan Boulevard, next to the police station, according to city police spokeswoman Natatia Bledsoe. About six hours earlier, a woman in that same area was punched in the face by a stranger as she was walking her dog. It was not immediately clear if the two incidents were related. According to police, the sexual-assault victims are in their late 40s, unrelated and live in one of the block of apartments the Rappahannock Area Community Service Board rents for mentally impaired adults. A supervisor lives in one of the apartments and assists the residents. At about 1 a.m. Friday, one of the victims answered a knock on the door. She thought she knew the man, so she opened the door, police said. The man, who did not display a weapon, attacked both women before leaving. One of the victims then went to another resident's home, and that resident called 911. Bledsoe said that because of communication difficulties, police did not realize what had occurred until responding to the 911 call. Bledsoe said police had a hard time getting a description of the suspect because of the women's condition. But police believe the suspect is an Asian male with a thin build and might have tattoos. Police were at the apartment yesterday collecting DNA and other evidence. The victims were treated for their injuries at Mary Washington Hospital. The face-punching incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the 2200 block of Cowan Boulevard, Bledsoe said. The 51-year-old victim was walking her dog behind the Monticello apartments when a man came from behind, spun her around and hit her in the face. The woman screamed, and the suspect ran off. The victim had swelling and bruising on her cheek, but declined rescue squad assistance. She told police the incident happened so fast she didn't get a good look at the suspect, who was described only as a tall, thin man wearing dark clothing who smelled of alcohol. Bledsoe said police believe the attack was random and don't know if the attacker planned anything more than the assault. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call city police at 540/373-3122. Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
i did not say lets arm mentally challenged individuals. the law itself will not allow it. my answer was in response to guderians question about a solution to illogical attacks on individuals all over the country everyday. thats all. in the case of the two women. dont open the door to strangers at 1 a.m.. planet full of victims you are.
that doesn't become a firearm issue for people on here... it seems irrelevant right now whether individuals with mental disabilities should or should not carry firearms (though for the record there are some I might trust to do so more than people who already do!)- the most important issue here is that a disturbed person is out there terrorizing innocent people in our community & needs to be caught! I am terribly upset this happened & pray for these ladies that they get all the love & support needed.
Mentally and physically handicapped people as the ones involved in the incident above should be given alarms to wear around their necks, the type sold to the elderly for emergencies. If they are assaulted, attacked, etc., they can hit the panic button and summon help. I feel that the cost of this could be absorbed by the existing programs. I feel sure there are numerous problems with this b ut I feel it would be worth looking in to.
Why not criminal control Patrick? Why don't we start with that. Maybe eliminate plea bargins.. so people can actually be convicted of the crime they were originally charged with, instead of a reduced charge that might let them avoid the sex offenders list. What are your thoughts on that Patrick?
Do you realize what you just said? Are you really advocating that those with mental challenges carry firearms? I am one of the most ardent 2nd Amendment supporters, and a huge supporter of the 'Refuse To Be A Victim' philosophy.... but, arming those with mental challenges?? Not a good idea.
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