Early Police Chief David Mercer said that investigators are following up on several leads in last week’s home invasion that occurred on Mitsy Lane in Early. Mercer said that they are working with the Texas Rangers and Erath County investigators to see if there is a connection between the Early case and a sexual assault case last week in Dublin along with another assault at an apartment complex in Stephenville last week.
According to the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, an unknown man entered a woman’s home in Dublin last Wednesday and physically and sexually assaulted her. The suspect being sought in the case was described as tall dark-skinned male well over 6 feet tall – possibly 6 feet 3 inches – 6 feet 5 inches.
Dublin Police Chief Lannie Lee told the Empire-Tribune that he felt there was a connection between the Dublin and Early cases, but was unsure of the case in Stephenville. (CLICK HERE to see their most recent story on those cases).
Chief Mercer said that his investigators are talking to other investigators in Erath County to see if there is a connection.
“It is not confirmed to be the same as the one Dublin and one in Stephenville, but we are communicating with them along with the Texas Rangers both here and in Erath County,” Mercer said “There are similarities but nothing concrete at this time to connect them.”
Mercer said that they are still focusing on leads at home as well as working with these out of town investigations in search of a suspect.
“We are looking at several leads locally and have worked though the weekend trying to turn up something,” Mercer said. “There have been at least 2 other homes that have been entered outside of Early. No one was home and nothing was taken. These could be connected but that is not confirmed either. We are pursuing every lead that comes up.”
The home invasion occurred last week in Early when an unknown man entered a home on Mitsy Lane while four children under the age of twelve were home alone. The suspect entered the front door of the home, proceeded to the bedroom where the children were hiding and attempted to make entry but was kept out by the children who were holding the door shut with the help of a chair propped under the door knob, Mercer said. The suspect cussed at the children during his attempt to make entry, then went to the bathroom where he rummaged through the cabinets, the report states. While the suspect was in the bathroom, the children opened a side window and fled the home.
Shortly after the children made their escape, the male was seen exiting through the same window the children made their exit. He then re-entered the home and rummaged through kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator, according to police. After a short time, the suspect left on foot.
The suspect is described as a dark skinned black male, approximately 6’ 3” + (described as being super tall), skinny but muscular, no facial hair, with a scar on inner left forearm – running length wise and a tattoo on back of left leg (calf area).
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Early Police Department at 325-646-5322.
