Police have set up a hotline and released sketches of the men wanted in a series of rapes along bus routes in east Baltimore. But the local chapter of the NAACP wants to make sure everyone has seen those faces. ABC2 News Joce Sterman has more on their effort to help catch the suspects.
A rash of recent bus stop rapes have terrified the city and put police on high alert, with officers dedicated to patrol parts of east Baltimore. Resident Bo Fields has noticed an increase in police prescence recently. He says, "Police been in the neighborhood. They've been canvassing the neighborhood. They've been on their job, especially at night."
The cops are keeping a watchful eye. But they're not alone in their concern. Neighbors have rallied and the NAACP is now stepping up to help get the word out about the men seen in these sketches. Local President Marvin "Doc" Cheatham is asking volunteers to help pass out thousands of flyers that show the potential suspects and advertise a reward for their arrest. The group's grassroots goal is to get people talking and stop these attacks before another victim is hurt. Cheatham says, "All we're saying is it could be your loved one. We don't want to wait until it's your loved one."
This isn't the first time the NAACP has hit the streets to try and help solve a crime. After a string of assaults in west Baltimore a few years ago, the group handed out 20,000 flyers. Cheatham says a couple weeks later, there was an arrest. He says, "We had some success then. We're hoping God will give us some success here because we're talking about our women that are being hurt."
And that success means putting an end to this series of assaults so people feel safer. Resident Waldine Peay says she'll sleep easier when there are arrests. She says, "I hope they catch them and soon."
The NCAAP is hoping to distribute the fliers Saturday (11/28) at noon. Volunteers who want to help should meet at the Knox Presbyterian Church 1300 N. Eden Street in the city.
