Newark police investigating report of rape

NEWARK – Police are looking for a suspect after a woman reported being raped early Saturday morning.

Newark Detective Steve Vanoy said the woman said she was sexually assaulted near the area of North Buena Vista Street and the Ohio 16 overpass before about 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

The victim reportedly told police she had met the suspect that night and had been walking with him in the area of West Church Street when he threatened her and forced her to go with him to the area where the sexual assault occurred, Vanoy said.

The suspect is described as a white man, possibly about 5-feet-10-inches tall, and about 30 years old. The suspect had short red hair on the sides of his head and a red mohawk. He has a muscular build and a tattoo on the bicep/tricep area of one arm, Vanoy said.

The suspect also has letters on both forearms and on his neck, possibly of names.

Vanoy said possible DNA evidence has been obtained and will be sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification for testing.

Anyone with information about the suspect's identity or the case is asked to call Vanoy at 740-670-7200.