Authorities investigate sexual assault, home invasion in Grosse Pointe Woods

Victim awakened by intruder brandishing handgun, authorities say

GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. – A neighborhood is on alert after a woman was sexually assaulted by an armed man who broke into her Grosse Pointe Woods home.

Police said the man entered the home around 6:30 a.m. Saturday and targeted the woman who was sleeping in her bedroom.

The attack happened at a home in the 19000 block of Raymond Street, just down the street from St. John Hospital and Medical Center.

Neighbors are concerned, saying it's a quiet neighborhood. St. John's security patrols it, so now they plan to be more vigilant.

"It's very scary to think somebody is out here watching, and they broke in, caught her by herself. They could have easily got my daughter," said Theresa Crosby, who lives on Raymond Street.

On Saturday morning, Crosby saw police officers swarm her street, investigating the home invasion and sexual assault.

"It's kind of scary because it's only so many houses down," Crosby said.

Police said a homeowner on the street woke up to see a man with a gun. That man then assaulted the homeowner and left.

"This is kind of a shock to me basically," Ken Monette said.

Neighbors Ken and Gail Monette are also on edge after hearing the news.

"I hope they catch whoever it is that did that before that person does it to someone else and scares them. It would sure scare me I know," Gail Monette said.

Ken Monette has a few words for the suspect who's still out there.

"For a person to even think about doing something like that, get a life," Ken Monette said.

The Monettes and Crosby hope something so terrible like this doesn't happen in their peaceful neighborhood again. But one thing's for sure from here on out.

"We will definitely be paying more attention," Crosby said.

The male suspect is described by authorities as white, tall and with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark-colored jeans, a black mask and had a handgun.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department's Detective Bureau at 313-343-2400 or 313-343-2412.


About the Authors:

Koco joined the Local 4 News team in September of 2016. She was born and raised in Metro Detroit, attended Central Michigan University, and previously worked at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.