Man sexually assaults 80-year-old Detroit woman after asking her for food, money

80-year-old woman raped after suspect entered through open back door in Detroit

The man, in his 20s, demanded money and food - then a struggle. The victim's husband was home, but is handicapped and was unable to intervene.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - A suspect sexually assaulted an 80-year-old Detroit woman after she didn't give him food and money that he asked for, police said.

Police said the suspect walked into the victim's home on Memorial near the Southfield Freeway and I-96 through an open backdoor around 9:05 p.m. Sunday.

When he asked the woman for food and money, she told him to get out of her home. The suspect then grabbed the woman, pulled her outside, sexually assaulted her, and fled. The man hasn't been captured.

The woman's husband, who is handicapped, was home at the time.

A family member is staying with the victim, who is shaken after the assault.

It is unclear if police have DNA evidence. Police said the suspect was in his 20s. He is Black with medium complexion, has a slim build, and is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

The description investigators have is vague, but there are a lot of home surveillance cameras in the area that police are using to see if they can pick up this guy’s movements.

At this point they do not believe he had a gun on him, based on what the victim told police.

"It is the top priority right now, it’s all hands on deck," said DPD Capt. Rebecca McKay, Detroit police Sex Crimes. "It’s traumatic, it’s traumatic not only for the officers investigating but for society as a whole.

"One thing that can be learned from this incident is that we all need to stay vigilant and aware of our surroundings keeping our doors and windows locked."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 313-596-1950.