NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, January 21, 2004.

HARTFORD POLICE LOOKING FOR SUSPECT IN JUVENILE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

(Hartford) - Hartford Police are looking for an Hispanic male suspect wanted in connection with an early morning abduction and sexual assault of a Hartford female student.  On January 20, 2004, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the victim was walking to school  and was abducted in the area of 399 Zion Street.  The victim was forced into a vehicle and driven to an undisclosed location where she was sexually assaulted. 

Hartford Police Patrol Units were informed of the incident by Hartford Hospital officials, where the victim was brought for treatment by her parents.  Lieutenant Clifford Smith, Commander of the HPD's Youth Services Division, stated that the Youth Services Division is conducting the on-investigation and is requesting the public's assistance in locating the suspect and his vehicle.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, approximately 5'10", tall, of light complexion, heavy set with slight side burns, a scar on the back of his right hand, scratches on the right side of his face, a shaved head, and  red marks on his neck.  He was last seen in the Zion Street area, wearing a black hooded sweat shirt, blue sweatpants and yellow Timberland boots.  The suspect's vehicle is described as a 4 door, older model, possibly a Pontiac Bonneville with a Connecticut registration plate that includes the numbers 89 and letters HP, in unknown order.  The vehicle is dark green with a brown interior and has front end damage.

Hartford Police are asking anyone with information about this incident, the suspect, or vehicle to contact Detective Sabine Nyenhuis of the Hartford Police Department's Youth Services Bureau at (860) 527-7300, extension 5294.  "The public can be assured that any information we receive will be kept in the strictest of confidence," stated Lt. Smith, Youth Service Commander. 

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
Visit www.hartford.gov for more Hartford Police News.
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