Young Mother Raped In Home While Her Children Slept Nearby

It’s a crime that’s shocked a neighborhood. A young mother brutally raped while her two small children slept nearby. It happened about a week ago in their Lakewood Apartment. Now, Police are hunting all over Pierce County for the man that committed this unspeakable crime.

The Lakewood Police Department released a composite sketch of the suspect on Friday.

Neighbors Stefka Covington and Christine Wiener just moved in to the Arbor Pointe Apartments, Christine says they were shocked to learn about the brazen sexual assault.

“I'm just surprised that the office didn't tell anybody around here what happened cause we're the first ones that should know,” said Wiener.

Police say the woman was raped in her bottom floor apartment just before 10 PM on June 25. Lieutenant Heidi Hoffman with the Lakewood Police Department says when the victim took out the trash and left the apartment unlocked the rapist was waiting for her when she got back.

“There was quite a struggle, he ended up grabbing a rather large book off of an end table hitting her in the head with that, they fought for some time,” said Hoffman.

The single mother eventually fought the man off, but not before he sexually assaulted her. He ran out a backdoor and she called 911.

Christine Wiener believes the mother was fortunate considering what happened.

“At least she was lucky, was able to get away from him, cause most of the time you don't get a chance to,” said Wiener.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Her two young children were not harmed. Lt. Hoffman says Police are very concerned about this crime because it was random and involved a total stranger.

“Our fear of course is that if he gets away with it this time, he's more empowered to do it again and next time he could kill somebody who knows,” said Hoffman.

Investigators say they’re checking with the Department Of Corrections to see if the person in the sketch matches any sex offenders living in the area.

Christine and Stefka say it’s still hard to believe the violent attack happened so close to their new home, a place they thought was safe.

“Very surprised because we moved two months ago here, and they told us this, one of the safe places,” said Covington.

Lakewood Police say the rapist is about 25 years old. He’s about 5’10’’ with a medium build. He has red hair and a thin mustache.

If you have any information about the suspect call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction you could be eligible for a cash reward.