APD, Community Work to Find Suspected Rapist

ATLANTA - Atlanta police stepped up their search for clues in a violent sexual assault case. Investigators canvassed the Virginia-Highland neighborhood Friday, hoping to tu up fresh leads.

Restaurant workers in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood posted a sketch of a suspect police say is behind a violent sexual assault.

"Everybody needs to be on the lookout. Every little bit of information helps," said Justin Haynie of the Diesel Filling Station restaurant.

The sexual assault happened the day after Christmas. Investigators said a woman was attacked on Rosedale Road during a home invasion. Weeks later, police said they are still looking for leads.

"We want to keep this alive, we want people to call us," said Lieutenant Stacie Gibbs of the Atlanta Police Department.

Investigators said the victim was approached as she entered her home and was sexually assaulted. Police said the woman was able to provide police with a good description of her attacker.

Police distributed that sketch of attacker's face through the neighborhood Friday.

"The person involved in this, the suspect, is someone familiar with this area," said Lt. Gibbs.

"I really feel a bit fearful," said neighbor Ivonne Schmitt.

Many neighbors said they hope someone will recognize the man in the sketch and lead to an arrest in the case.

"It has shattered the idea that this is a peaceful and safe community," said Schmitt.

The man police are looking for is described as standing 5'8' tall, with little hair. The man is said to be in his 40s.

Anyone with information about the attack or the suspect is asked to call Crimestoppers at (404) 577-TIPS. A $2,000 reward has been offered in the case.