Crime & Safety

Alexandria Police Investigate Sexual Assault Near Van Dorn Street

Incident is not believed to be connected to Holmes Run attacks.

Alexandria police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Van Dorn Street and Courtney Avenue.

A 20-year-old city resident told police she was walking from the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and Van Dorn Street when she was approached by a man, who displayed a knife and demanded money. The woman told the man she didn’t have any money, according to police reports. 

Police reports said he then grabbed the victim and pulled her over a guardrail and into the bushes, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The man then ran from the area, heading north toward South Pickett Street, according to police reports. 

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The suspect is described as Hispanic; in his late 20s or early 30s; approximately 5-foot-7; and about 150 pounds. He had short black hair and was clean shaven. At the time, he was wearing a dark brown T-shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes and black-framed glasses.

The victim was not seriously injured.

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Detectives do not believe that this incident is related to the prior assaults that occurred in the Holmes Run area. Anyone with information about this incident or who might have been in the area is asked to call the criminal investigations section at 703-746-6711.

Callers can remain anonymous.


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