Mobile police are investigating a reported attempted sexual assault that a woman says occurred Saturday evening in an open field near Moffett Road Baptist Church, an incident she told officers was interrupted when a passing vehicle approached the area.
Reported Incident and Police Response
According to the woman’s account to investigators, she was confronted by a group that included both people she knew and strangers. She told police two women held her down while two men touched her inappropriately and another man attempted to sexually assault her before stopping once he noticed an approaching car.
Officers responded to the area near the intersection of Moffett Road and Howells Ferry Road around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Mobile Police Department spokesman Officer Terence Perkins. The woman told responding officers the attack took place in an open field near that intersection.
No Suspects Identified Yet
As of the initial police report, investigators had not identified any suspects in connection with the case. However, the woman told officers she recognized at least four of the individuals involved in the incident, information that could aid detectives as the investigation continues.
The Mobile Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling MPD at 251-208-7211.
An Ongoing Investigation
Cases involving reported sexual assaults where a victim knows some but not all of the people allegedly involved can present particular challenges for investigators, who must corroborate accounts and identify additional individuals before charges can be pursued. Residents in the Moffett Road and Howells Ferry Road area are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police. As is standard practice, the Mobile Police Department has not released the identity of the woman who reported the incident, and no arrests had been announced at the time of the report.