Police release sketch of suspect in Columbia apartment complex rape

Howard County police have released a sketch of a suspect wanted for a rape and assault at a Columbia apartment complex Wednesday morning.

Police say a woman in her 30s, who did not live at the complex, was approached by a man she did not know inside the Columbia Landings Apartments in the 8900 block of Tamar Drive. After trying to talk to her, the man pulled the victim into a vacant apartment where he assaulted and raped her.

The woman ran to another apartment for help after the attack where it was reported to police.

Police say there was no sign of forced entry in the vacant apartment and they believe the suspect may have been staying there.

The suspect has been described as a black male with short dreadlocks or braids that are gold-colored or bleached, approximately two to three inches in length. The victim says he has pronounced cheek bones and that the pigment of his cheeks appears darker than the rest of his face, which she described as a medium complexion. He is possibly in his 30s or older, with a muscular medium build. He was wearing black sweatpants and no shirt.

A $5,000 reward has been offered in this case.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 410-313-STOP.