Woman assaulted in Oakland

Police are looking for a man who raped a 20-year-old woman in the 3300 block of Parkview Avenue… Police are looking for a man who raped a 20-year-old woman in the 3300 block of Parkview Avenue early Sunday morning.

City police said they are searching for a black man between 5’ 8” and 5’ 9” with a muscular build. The man was last seen wearing a bandana or skull cap with webbing — possibly pantyhose — covering his face, city police spokeswoman Diane Richard said in an e-mail. Richard did not know whether the woman was a Pitt student, and University officials did not respond to calls before deadline.

The victim told police she was awakened at 5 a.m. by the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs, Richard said. The victim said an unknown man told her not to make any noise, under risk of bodily harm.

The victim’s roommate heard noises and called to check up on her, according to police reports. The victim, fearing for her life, said she was okay, Richard said.

The man then sexually assaulted the victim, leaving about 7 a. m. Other roommates were not harmed.

Police set up a perimeter to catch the suspect but were unsuccessful.

Richard said the man entered the residence through a lower front window. The unlocked window had a broken lock.

The city police department’s Sexual Assault and Family Crisis Unit is currently conducting an investigation.

“The best thing that anyone can do is make sure their windows and doors are locked at night and be aware of their surroundings,” Richard said.

Richard said that anyone with information about the incident should call the Sexual Assault and Family Crisis Unit at 412-323-7141 or the Major Crimes Unit at 412-323-7800.

Anyone with an emergency can call the Pitt police at 412-624-2121 or 911.

The Pitt News does not release the names of rape victims.