Attempted Rape Foiled By ‘Concerned Citizen’

A woman walking along 35th Street near Visitation Prep and Q Street was assaulted early Wednesday morning, but the attack was stopped by a shouting resident who heard her scream. The suspect had a knife, the woman told police, pushed her to the ground and began to remove her clothing before he ran away, thanks to the man who intervened.

The attack near the playing fields of Visi Prep occurred around 1:10 a.m. and may involve a serial rapist, according to sources familiar with the case. The woman is 25 to 30 years of age, but police did not indicate if she is a student or a resident. Police have reportedly increased patrols in the neighborhood.

The Washington Post identified the good Samaritan as Andrew Scanlon and reported that the 19-year-old “was in his bedroom using his computer when he heard a scream. ‘I looked out and I saw a man on top of someone,’ Scanlon said. ‘It took me a couple seconds to process what was happening. I ran out yelling, ‘Hey,’ in a loud, stern voice. The guy jumped up, swung around to look at me for a half-second and then he ran down the street.'”

The woman was taken to the Scanlon home, where D.C. police were called.

The following is the report on the Aug. 3 assault issued by the Metropolitan Police Department:

The Metropolitan Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with an Assault with the Intent to Commit 1st Degree Sexual Abuse offense that occurred in the 1600 block of 35th Street, Northwest.

On Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at approximately 1:10 am, while walking in the area, the victim was approached by a suspect from behind. The suspect brandished a knife and assaulted the victim with the intent to sexually assault her. The suspect was chased off by a concerned citizen and was seen fleeing on foot southbound on 35th Street, Northwest. The suspect may have then gotten into a silver vehicle. The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9’’ to 5’11″ in height, and might have spoken with an accent. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood and gloves.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for an assault committed in the District of Columbia.