Rockford's Independent Newspaper

Crime Roundup: Police release sketch of possible rapist; suspected drunk driver hits police van at station

By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Police Department is investigating several crimes including a string of incidents that may be have been committed by who officials are calling a possible serial rapist and a DUI crash that occurred at a police precinct.

The sexual-assault suspect is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20s, about 5-4, 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark clothing at the scene of a sexual assault that occurred Feb. 12.

“During this particular incident, the suspect entered the victim’s residence and at a
later point and time, sexually assaulted her,” Rockford Police Media and Marketing Coordinator Michelle Marcomb said in a release.

The suspect may also be responsible for a number of strong-armed robberies in the city. Police say the during one of those incidents, the suspect made mention of sexually assaulting the victim, however, the act itself was never carried out.

The man is suspect in at least five sexual assaults on the northwest side over the last 12 months.

Shots-fired
Investigators with Rockford Police are investigating a shots-fired incident that left two people injured Feb. 16 in the 1100 block of North Winnebago Street. Police say officers responded to that report at around 12:37 a.m. and learned shots were fired during an argument between two groups of people. The victims’ injuries were not life threatening.

DUI crash
At approximately 4 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 16, a van allegedly driven by 31-year-old Marcus Horton crashed into metal fence in the lot behind the Rockford Police Department District One on West State Street.

“The vehicle sideswiped a parked Squadrol van and attempted to flee the lot before being stopped by officers already on scene,” Marcomb said.

Horton is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of a police officer, driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting, and no valid driver’s license.

Armed robbery
At around 5:40 p.m., Monday, a man approached a woman outside an apartment building in the 400 block of East State Street and robbed her at gunpoint. Police say the suspect approached the victim near the entryway, pushed her down and brandished a pistol. He then took an undisclosed amount of cash, a cellphone and prescription drugs drugs from victim before fleeing on foot.

Police are reviewing surveillance video from a nearby business that shows images of the suspect. He is described as a black male, approximately 40 years old, 5-8, approximately 230 pounds. He was wearing black clothing, a cinched hood and black gloves.

The Rockford Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity or information to the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900 or Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963- 7867.

Information may also be reported to the Rockford Police Department via Facebook–@RockfordIllinoisPoliceDepartment– and Twitter–@RockfordPD.

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