RAPE REPORTED IN NORTH CAPE

A rape was reported in Cape Girardeau early Monday morning, allegedly involving a man who forced his way into an apartment on the 600 block of North Sycamore.

Police said the man went to the apartment at about 4 a.m. and knocked on the door. The victim apparently answered the door and the man forced his way into the residence and raped the woman before fleeing on foot.

Lt. Carl Kinnison with the Cape Girardeau Police Department said the woman did not know her assailant, which is unusual in rape cases.

"We seldom see that, fortunately," Kinnison said. "But all the indications here are is that she did not know him. We haven't had a situation like that in a long time."

Most rape cases involve victims who know their assailant, often an ex-boyfriend or an obsessed co-worker. Kinnison said the department is following leads and has already eliminated one potential suspect who officers thought might have been the perpetrator.

While the problem is uncommon in Cape Girardeau, Kinnison said that precautionary actions could make situations like this less likely.

"Opening the door to someone is not the best way to determine who is on the other side, for example," Kinnison said.

He said doors should have peepholes and should always be kept locked. When you're walking up to your home, don't fumble for the keys. Parking in lighted areas is also a good idea, he said.