Search underway for Highland Park rape suspect

11-year-old girl abducted at gunpoint, sexually assaulted

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – The victim is an 11-year-old girl who tried to enjoy a normal Christmas Day this week with her loving and supportive family.

"We tell her to get that off her mind. We're keeping her as busy and active as possible," said her grandmother.

What was done to her can be described as horrendous. She was abducted at gunpoint on her way to school and sexually assaulted in a vacant house.

The girl was able to give investigators an outstanding description leading to a sketch of a suspect (click to view), which is key.

Members of the community group Detroit 300 say the more the sketch is shown around town, the more they keep hearing about one possible suspect -- a homeless man known to sell DVDs out of his backpack.

"He's been known to be in the Highland Park area, and he does frequent the Cass Corridor," said Imhotep Blue, of Detroit 300.

Meanwhile, New Marcus Garvey Movement members are helping the girl's family.

"The people have to get up, stand up, and act like we care about this crime thing. It's all of our responsibility," said Malik Shabazz, of New Marcus Garvey Movement.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.