Howard County police are offering a $1,000 reward for information and any possible video surveillance footage leading to the identification and arrest of a man who allegedly raped a woman in a vacant Columbia apartment Wednesday.
The man has been described by the victim as black, of medium skin complexion, possibly in his 30s, with short dreadlocks or braids, approximately two to three inches in length, and of medium build, according to police. He was also described by the woman as shirtless and wearing black sweatpants, police said.
Police said investigators believe the man described by the woman was seen hanging around the apartment complex where they say the rape occurred, in the 8900 block of Tamar Drive, last week.
Police are asking for anyone who has seen a man fitting that description to call 410-313-STOP. Police are also looking for private surveillance video of the area that might have captured an image of the man, police said.
Police said they do not have any video or a sketch of the alleged rapist.
Police have also increased patrols and reminded residents to take precaution, be leery of strangers and to lock their doors, according to a news release.
At about 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, a resident of the Columbia Landing Apartments in the 8800 block of Tamar Drive called 911 to report that a woman had come to her door for help, saying she had been raped.
Police said the woman, who they described as being in her 30s, does not live in the apartment complex.