Posted on 06/22/2005 4:48:15 PM PDT by NHAntiMassRedRebel
HAMILTON, Ohio -- Vigilante justice seems to have taken over in the community where a 9-year-old girl was raped Monday, reported Cincinnati television station WLWT.
Someone set fire Tuesday evening to the house where the attack occurred. Six Mexican immigrants were renting the house, and neighbors believe the attacker lived there, WLWT reported.
Racial tensions rose high after the attack, with some angry residents threatening to burn down the house and take other retaliation against Hispanics in the area. Someone had spray-painted "Rapest" (sic) and "Child Molester" on the house.
The victim's father asked people to let police handle the situation.
"They probably mean well, but they're taking everything in their own hands and they should leave it in the police's hands," the father said.
One neighbor told WLWT the community just wants justice. Some neighbors are alarmed that the alleged attacker is still on the loose.
"They're just trying to get a suspected predator off the streets," Eric Price said. "Everybody's outraged. I can't even believe it myself."
Hamilton police Detective Mark Hayes said vigilantes interfere with police efforts to find the attacker.
"Something like this takes away from the investigation. Now we have another serious crime," Hayes said.
Police searched about a dozen places for the alleged attacker, the station reported. About 50 people gathered at one home while police surrounded and searched it.
Police said they know who they are looking for, but they won't release his name or a sketch because of fear of retaliation, WLWT reported.
"We need concrete information from the public making an identification," Officer Don Taylor said. "Once we do, we will try to get a picture and make a positive identification."
The suspect was described as a Hispanic man, 22 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a tattoo on his inner forearm.
The fire did a lot of damage to the house and melted the siding on the house next door.
"Police said they know who they are looking for, but they won't release his name or a sketch because of fear of retaliation, WLWT reported."
Tagline alert!
This is how things were done in the old days. People were a lot more cautious ...
Sex predators are always identified for the safety of the community. Why should this one be any different?
If he strikes another young kid again, the police and city will be liable for failing to ID the perpetrator.
"Protect and Serve" takes on a whole new meaning.
Yeha, but be careful. According to the Mechistas that makes you Billy the Kid. As if it's a bad thing.
Yeah, I thought about that immediately after I clicked the post button and tried in vain to stop it. I bet the dude is "connected" in some way nonetheless.
I know what you mean. I hate when my fingers get ahead of my brain.
Sounds like that's just what happened.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.