KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Police are asking for the public’s help locating a man they believe was involved in two attempted home invasions Monday morning, one of which left a woman with a gunshot wound.
KCK police spokesman Emmett Lockridge says a pattern of violent crimes began at a residence off Eaton Street in east Kansas City, Kansas. Police say it was around 7:00 a.m. Saturday when a 23-year-old woman, who lives at the residence, was followed home by the suspect where he forced his way into her home.
“She made an attempt to get into her home, but he caught up to her, and forced her into her garage,” said Sgt. Lockridge.
Lockridge says the suspect ran away on foot, after stealing her backpack at gunpoint.
Another victim reportedly ended up in an area hospital after the man sexually assaulted her. Police say two hours later around 9:00 a.m., a man fitting the same description as the suspect in the first instance, followed a second woman to her residence on 64th street. This woman was also forced into her garage.
“This victim was sexually assaulted and shot. The suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle, and it has since been recovered,” said Sgt. Lockridge
Lockridge says when police found that car; it had been destroyed by fire. KCK Police Chief Detective Vince Davenport says he believes one man is behind both crimes.
“We feel confident there are enough similarities between the two incidents, between the (modus operandi) and the physical characteristics of the suspect, primarily that he had dreadlocks or long hair pulled back into a ponytail,” said Davenport.
Davenport says he believes the suspect followed both women home from an area gas station. He adds that both victims are traumatized and that he acted alone.
Police say the description of the suspect is the same in both instances. They say a black man in his 40’s, who stands about 5’9” with a slender build, with long braids or dreadlocks, followed two women to their separate residences.
As of Monday evening, police say he’s still at large and they’re looking everywhere for him.
Police are warning the public to remain aware of their surroundings. If you have any information, call the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department of the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
