Police seek suspect in rape, robbery

WILKES-BARRE – A search is being conducted for a man who police say raped and robbed a city woman Thursday night.

The 23-year-old victim was walking westward on Academy Street at 10:40 p.m. when the suspect approached her from behind and grabbed her around the neck, police said. The man placed a solid object in her side and ordered her not to scream or he would shoot.

Police said the suspect ordered the woman to walk to an empty parking lot across from 144 Academy St., where he raped her and stole $45 from her pants pockets.

The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-30s, thin to medium build, and about 6 feet tall. He was wearing dark clothing and had long dreadlocks.

Anyone with information on the rape is urged to call police at 826-8106.