Hammond Police are urging people to be on high alert after a woman was allegedly raped in an alleyway Tuesday night.
The Hammond Police Department issued a public safety alert in Indiana after responding to a rape report where a 25-year-old woman said she was walking her dog around the west alley of the 7100 block of Columbia Avenue between 8 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
According to the victim, she was walking her dog when a vehicle drove up behind her, stopped and the male driver approached her. Authorities said she then stated that the male grabbed her, threw her to the ground and raped her.
The vehicle is described as a small, dark-colored SUV with tinted windows. The male suspect is described as a 6-foot bald, African-American male, possibly in his late 30’s, with a goatee and a muscular build. Officials said the suspect had a deep voice and smelled of cigarettes. In addition, he was wearing a black stocking cap, a black hoodie, and black pants.
Authorities are warning the public to be aware of his/her surroundings at all times. If anyone has any information about this case, call Hammond Police Det. Sgt. Chris Matonovich at 219-852-2963 or email him at cmatonovich@hammondpolice.com.
