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Raleigh Police Say Woman Raped Near Lake Johnson

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh police said they are looking for a man who raped an 18-year-old woman near Lake Johnson early Thursday morning.

Police said a woman was walking near

Cum Laude Court

, at the Ivy Chase apartment complex, when a man approached her.

"They exchanged casual greetings, and then he grabbed her, pulled her off the walkway and raped her," said Jim Sughrue, spokesman for the Raleigh Police Department.

Police said the victim did not know the suspect, who was described as being in his early 20s, standing about 6 feet tall, and having spiked blond hair.

The suspect was last seen wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

"I'm shocked," said Lindsey Powell, who lives in the Ivy Chase apartment complex. "I've always thought this was a very safe development."

Detectives said the rape did not appear to be premeditated; it appeared to be a crime of opportunity.

"Everybody in here is young, college aged," Ivy Chase resident Jesse Holloway said. "So, you don't think anything like that is going to happen around here."

The apartment complex handed out flyers that provide suggestions on how residents can protect themselves.

"I'm not out early morning, I'm not out late at night, and I'm hoping that will keep me safe," Powell said.

The number of reported rapes in Raleigh fluctuates from year to year. This year's numbers show reported rapes are down 20 percent in Raleigh.

Thursday's incident was not the first time an attack has happened at the Ivy Chase apartment complex. Last year, a man broke into an apartment and sexually assaulted a woman.

Police made an arrest in that case, they said, and they hope to do the same this time.

If you have any information about this incident, please call the Raleigh Police Department at

(919)-890-3335

.

Photographer:

Greg Clark

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