''Bold'' Columbus rapist attacks in broad daylight

The following victimization occurred in a parking garage where, 24 hours later, many 'Defense' Walkers were preparing to participate in an historic event around the Statehouse.

Downtown rape prompts added security measures
Women warned to use caution after attack
November 14, 2003

Security will be increased near a Downtown building where a woman was raped last Friday, Columbus police said yesterday.

The attack in a basement restroom at 37 W. Broad St. has increased awareness by private security officers and police officers, they said.

"We want to catch this guy as badly as the public wants it," police spokesman Sgt. Brent Mull said. "Our Downtown bike patrol will be concentrating on this crime and making some business contacts."

An image from a security camera of a man thought to be the rapist was released by police.

One detective called the quality of the image poor but urged anyone with information about the man’s identity to call sexual-abuse detectives at 614-645-4701 or Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

The 28-year-old woman was working in a parking garage behind the building Friday when she left for a break and walked into 37 W. Broad St., at the southeast corner of Front and W. Broad streets.

As she entered a basement restroom near a cafe, the man appeared behind her and forced her to have sex inside the restroom. He implied he had a gun and also robbed her, police said.

The attack occurred about noon, during the city’s Veterans Day parade.

Police are alarmed because the rape occurred in what is considered to be a relatively safe Downtown precinct and because the rapist boldly attacked during the day.

"(Security) has been enhanced, but I won’t say specifically what that means. We have multiple cameras on site and a security force that is usually very good," said Lynne Raduege, property manager for NAI Ohio Equities, which operates the building.

Mull gave these suggestions for women:

• Be aware of surroundings when walking alone or in secluded corridors.

• Alert others to suspicious people in or around the office.

• If attacked, judge for yourself whether to fight or try to run. "Do what’s comfortable to you," Mull said. "Do what you have to do to stay alive."

Click here to read the story in the Columbus Dispatch.

Commentary:
Thanks for the "Do what you have to do to stay alive" advice, Sgt. Mull. Does that include allowing women to carry concealed firearms for their own defense and security?

96% of rapes are committed without the use of a firearm. If so-called anti-violence groups really cared for the innocent victims, they would not be trying to keep Ohio's women defenseless.

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