Friday, July 30, 1999
Rape attempt has suburbs on alert
Blue Ash police look for links in assaults
BY TOM McCANN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BLUE ASH — The worry spread from Montgomery to neighboring Blue Ash on Thursday after an unknown attacker tried to rape a 17-year-old girl. And residents cannot help but wonder whether it is the same man behind a chain of sexual assaults around Cincinnati.
Through an unlocked door, the assailant entered the girl's house on Berryhill Lane in the early morning and forced her into the back yard. But the girl was able to get free, run back into the house and call police.
The girl said the man was white, of medium height and weight. He was 20 to 40 years old and wore dark clothing. Blue Ash police haven't found anything yet to connect this incident to the sexual assault of a 6-year-old Montgomery girl Sunday morning, but they are working with Montgomery police to find a match, Lt. John Pohlman said.
Police also are investigating possible links to three rapes in Mason going back to April 1998. In all three cases, DNA evidence points to the same man. On April 14, the man raped a 27-year-old woman near Butler-Warren Road.
“We're exploring every possible scenario right now,” said Detective Mike Plaatje of the Montgomery Police. “Maybe they're all related. Maybe the incident in Blue Ash was a copycat crime, and the publicity has woken up some other predators. We don't know yet.”
Detective Plaatje said he is also looking at links to rape attempts in Sharonville and Springdale.
In Springdale, police were investigating similarities in an attempted assault on a 19-year-old woman in Hunters Glen Apartments Thursday evening.
The woman, who lives in the apartment complex on Chesterdale Road, fought off an intruder who tried to force his way into her apartment at 6:18 p.m., said Police Sgt. Tom Wells.
The man, dressed in black and carrying a gun, was carrying a black ski mask in his hand. He fled after the woman fought him off.
There were some similarities to the other attacks, Sgt. Wells said, but authorities were unsure if it was related.
“You can't rule it out,” he said. Earlier in the day, the Blue Ash attack alerted another community to the dangers even in the safest neighborhoods. At the end of Berryhill Lane is a path that leads to the Blue Ash Police Department, and squad cars normally patrol the winding street. But on Thursday, despite the protection, neighbors no longer felt secure.
“I usually let my daughter ride her bike alone along the street, but I'm not going to let her do that anymore,” said Idit Isaacsohn. “And, from now on, my alarm system is going on at all times.”
Suzanne Ruehr always has locked her doors to make sure she and her children are safe, but she said a string of attacks like this should put the whole city on alert.
“This neighborhood always feels so safe. But an attack like this happens, and it makes you feel helpless,” Ms. Ruehr said.
“The way things are happening, I don't think any suburb in this city should feel safe.”
People should use common sense to protect their families, police warn. Lock all doors and close all windows each night and make sure kids are chaperoned at all times. In four of the five attacks, the assailant came in through an unlocked door or window.
“This attack really hasn't frightened us because we've always had an alarm system, we've always locked our doors,” said 19-year-old Ian Ullman. “And beyond that, what can you do? It's no use getting paranoid.”
Help gives agencies warm feeling
Many cool centers empty
Electric fans aren't much help
Businesses boom, bust in heat
Where to get help from the heat
Tips for staying cool
How to conserve energy
Public pools
Summer's R-rated films tempt teens
Surgeons pull out of Anthem Blue Cross
Be prepared for school violence, sheriff warns
Butler eager to put jail inmates in tent
Evening, weekend parking rates fall
Former Ky. official to face theft charge
New site gives parents Web filtering information
Pet killed by mistake at shelter
Rape attempt has suburbs on alert
Cincinnatian added to series' cast
GET TO IT
Inland sailors find relaxation, success on Cowan Lake
'Push for Pencils' starts Sunday for school kids
She likes Florence but loves New York
Arson suspected in 2 Hamilton office fires
Ashland to give $2.5M to Kentucky universities
Bids on bears to brighten shelter for area homeless
City's growth draws candidates
Commissioners firm on airport
Fairfield happy with scores on advanced exams
Federal judge rebuffs nude club's opponents
Ft. Thomas approves new school
Goal: Link with history
Kiddie porn suspect linked to N.Ky.
Land buyout came with limits for township
Mt. Orab tap water defended
Pretty park replaces city water plant
Prisoner's letters provide clues to suicide
Retiring director saw library grow
Runner's therapy leads to victory
Tower controversy lingers
TRISTATE DIGEST
