EL PASO COUNTY – Held at gunpoint and sexually assaulted-that’s the horrifying situation a woman in Falcon suffered through Wednesday afternoon.
The incident began in the parking lot of the Walmart on Meridian Market View.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said the woman was leaving the store and loading her groceries into her car. As she was returning the shopping cart a man got into her vehicle. When she returned he held her at gunpoint and told her to drive.
“That’s something that is unheard of out here.”
That was Kyra Harris’ reaction after learning what happened in Falcon Wednesday afternoon.
Lieutenant Mitch Mihalko of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said, “A female was abducted from the parking lot at the Walmart in Falcon and was subsequently taken to a remote location, assaulted.”
The suspect then forced the victim to drive back to the Walmart where he got out and returned to his vehicle.
Harris said, “It’s really shocking to hear to be honest.”
She’s been shopping at this Walmart for several years and said she’s never had problems.
“This is such a small community.”
For people like Harris, Falcon has always seemed pretty safe, but after this horrific crime she’ll be keeping her guard up.
“Probably not come by myself next time and just watch and be aware of my surroundings.”
That’s exactly what Lieutenant Mihalko encourages everyone to do.
“Don’t be looking at your phone. Don’t be distracted.”
Also, keep your vehicle locked at all times.
“When they come up to a vehicle take a look around.”
If you end up in a dangerous situation Lieutenant Mihalko said, “911 is a great source, but a lot of people don’t know that you can text 911 if you’re unable to physically speak.”
The man the sheriff’s office is looking for is described as a Hispanic or White male in his 20’s, 5′ 8” with medium build, a round “boyish face,” clean shaven, and wearing dark clothing and a brown belt with keys hanging from it. His vehicle is described as an older model dark-colored SUV.
If anyone has information about this situation please call the sheriff’s office tip line at 520-6666. They’re also asking if there are any other victims out there to call as well.
