Police Arrest Suspect in Rape of Deaf/Mute Victim

From: KXTV - Sacramento,CA,USA - Oct 12, 2005

Written for the web by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer

A suspect has been arrested for the sexual assault of a deaf and mute Sacramento woman who was attacked on her way to work a month ago.

Juan Michael Tidwell, 25, is being held on kidnapping, rape and robbery charges. Tidwell is alleged to have tried to befriend the victim as she walked to the College Greens light rail station on her way to work the evening of September 10. Investigators said Tidwell used pen and paper to communicate with her. At some point in the exchange, police said Tidwell brandished a knife and forced the woman to a secluded location where he allegedly assaulted her.

Police investigators took evidence from the crime scene and were able to develop a composite of the attacker. The evidence was also sent to the FBI which helped identify Tidwell as a prime suspect.

Police say Tidwell is a registered sex offender. He has been booked into Sacramento County Jail.

Investigators urge the public to come forward with information on similar crimes that may have involved the suspect by calling Crime Alert phone at (916) 443-HELP or (800) AA-CRIME.

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