Police Search for Suspect, Offer Advice for Home Safety

Police are still looking for the man suspected of sexually assaulting an elderly woman over the weekend. It's considered a high priority case for Lubbock Police, but it's also just one of several such break-ins in the city recently. Police hope a little advice, and a few Crimeline tips can help track down more suspects before they commit more crimes.

Police released images Tuesday of one of their wanted suspects, trying to use his victim's ATM card. We're told the suspect broke into an 87 year old woman's home Saturday morning, sexually assaulted her, then took off with her purse. The woman was taken to UMC but is doing okay now.

Police say finding this suspect is a high priority, considering the crimes he committed. Officers have received a few Crimeline calls that led to some leads, but nothing that is helping zero in on the suspect.

Unfortunately, this crime is just one in a recent string of burglaries, many targeting homes just like the woman's this weekend.

That's why Lubbock police are now hoping to cut down on all theft crimes by offering up their tried and true advice.

Lt. Neal Barron, LPD: "It never hurts to remind the public of what they can do to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of any crime."

Biggest reminder -- of course, always lock every door and window. Also, keep valuables well-documented by taking pictures and having serial numbers on hand. They suggest also discreetly engraving your driver's license number into valuables, so that they can track down stolen property, fast.

Also, look out for your neighbors. Lt. Barron says a neighborhood 'watchdog' can cut down on crime before it even happens.

Now, according to Sergeant Mark Wims with LPD, what happened Saturday is rare. But he says it's your Crimeline tips, that help zero in on suspects, just like the one trying to use his 87 year old victim's ATM card -- suspects police consider high priority.

Sgt. Wims: "We don't have the suspect in custody, we don't know what the potential is for him committing more crimes, and we certainly want to get him off the street as quickly as possible."

Again, if you have any information on this suspect and case, or any crime for that matter, give the Crimeline a call, that number, 741-1000.