HPD Seeking Help Finding Suspect in Reported Rape

The Hope Police Department confirmed today that they are investigating a break-in and sexual assault that reportedly occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 9.

According to HPD, they are looking for a black male suspect in hiss twenties with a medium build, fade haircut and brown complexion.

The black male reportedly illegally entered a residence on S. Johnson St. in Hope between 3:30-4 a.m. Wednesday morning and sexually assaulted the victim.

Chief of Police JR Wilson stated, “Violent crimes such as this are most egregious to our community and despised by the very heart of God.  There is no place in civil society for violent acts.”   Chief Wilson continued, “Our heart breaks for the victim and their family. We will do everything within our power to identify, locate and arrest the person, or persons, responsible.”

Chief Wilson said that law enforcement needs the public’s full support to help catch the suspect. He encourages the public to share any information they have regarding the crime, whether it was noticing suspicious people or vehicles on Johnson St. or any suspicious behavior, comments or actions of individuals that indicates they have knowledge of the crime. Chief Wilson said, “Any information you may possess, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, could prove to be of great benefit in the successful resolution of this case. I am highly confident that someone has information that could be helpful to solving this case.  Anonymous tips are accepted.  I am reminded of the saying, ‘The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing’.”

Any person with identifying or amplifying information regarding this offense should contact Detective Jesus Coronado at 870-722-2561.