DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — The Genoa Township Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify the suspect in an alleged assault on a woman that occurred last week.
Genoa Township police say that on Aug. 29 at around 3:05 p.m., officers responded to a call regarding a woman who had been involved in a minor rear-end collision on Red Bank Road near the Twin Bridges Boat Ramp.
When the woman got out of her car to inspect the damage, police say she was attacked in what is being investigated as a felonious assault. The suspect fled with the woman's pink Coach purse and wallet.
The woman was treated at a hospital and the search for the suspect is ongoing.
“We do believe it was a random attack,” said Detective Sargeant Mike Sigman. “This individual obviously didn’t know this person, the manner of the collision and where it happened, we believe it was a random attack.”
The public is being asked for their help to provide information that could be used to locate the suspect who was driving a light-colored, four-door sedan. They are described as a roughly 45-year-old white male who is tall, thin and has dark hair.
Police have provided a sketch of what the suspect may look like.
Police are looking into whether the suspect may have hit the woman on purpose with intention to attack.
“That is the question we are looking at, we are looking at a lot of footage surveillance video from that area and other cameras to determine that,” Sgt. Sigman said.
Sigman said the woman was in the area to see family.
“This is the first of its kind here in Genoa Township. That is why we are taking it very, very seriously,” he said.
The attack happened just a few hundred yards away from the park, which is popular for fishing and water activities.
“I think it is horrendous I think it is horrendous that someone would be so gutsy and cruel to do something to someone in the middle of the day,” said Marilyn Hay, visiting the park.
Police are looking at surveillance video from the area and waiting to get information back on fingerprints and DNA submitted to the state BCI lab.
Once in custody, the suspect will be charged with felonious assault.
Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat at Hoover Reservoir or the boat ramp.
If you get into a collision and do not feel safe getting out of the car, police recommend putting hazard lights on and driving to the nearest police station or populated area. Sgt. Sigman also said people can call 911 and keep doors locked until an officer arrives.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Blevins at MBlevins@GenoaTwp.com.