Rapist sought

Independent staff

This is a composite drawing of a man suspected of raping a woman in Chinle.

GALLUP — Local FBI agents are seeking information that could lead to the arrest of a man who sexually assaulted a woman who was staying at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Chinle, Ariz., on Jan. 29.

At about 2 a.m. on Jan. 29, an unidentified man broke into a residence at the church. The suspect, reportedly in his 20s, raped and assaulted the woman who was asleep prior to the attack.

According to information released by the FBI, the woman sustained a fractured skull and countless cuts and abrasions during the assault.

The woman worked in connection with the FBI to create a composite sketch of her attacker. The man is described as Native American, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, between 150 and 160 pounds. She also described the man's appearance as neat and clean-cut.

The FBI and Navajo Nation Criminal Investigation Department are asking for the public's help in obtaining information about the incident. A reward of $500 is available to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Anyone with information concerning the attack, may contact FBI Special Agent Keith Hicks, at the Gallup branch of the FBI, at (505) 726-6012 or toll-free at (866) 373-2129. Information can also be provided to Navajo Criminal Investigator Bennie Jim at (928) 674-2003.