Advertisement Baltimore police search for rapist in Patterson Park area Authorities release sketch of man after incident just north of park Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Baltimore City police are searching for a suspect accused of raping a woman in the Patterson Park community of east Baltimore, while residents in that area are growing tired of and frightened by the increase of violence.Police released a sketch of the suspected rapist Tuesday. Authorities said the man is black and about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a mask across the bottom of his face.Mobile users, tap here for videoCity police have increased patrols in the Patterson Park area after a woman in her 30s reported walking along North Streeper Street around 12:30 p.m. Monday when a man with a gun approached her. She told police the man made her go into an alley behind the 2800 block of East Fairmount Avenue."He was wearing a dark-colored hoodie and blue jeans. He escorted her into the alley using a handgun, raped her in that alley and then he fled the location on foot," Baltimore City police Sgt. Sarah Connolly said.City detectives knocked on doors in the east Baltimore area Tuesday night, handing out fliers and warning neighbors about the rape. They said they hope someone will recognize the man and help with the investigation.Residents concerned after several violent incidentsMost of the people who opened their door for detectives told 11 News they had already heard about the rape, and everyone wanted a good look at the sketch."I don't even leave the house without my pit bulls, and I'm done playing. All of us women are carrying knives on us or pepper spray to stop this crap and to keep ourselves safe," said one area resident."I'm concerned for my wife and daughter, very much so because I'm usually at work maybe 10 hours a day sometimes," said resident Donnie Whitfield Jr.The rape took place not far from two other recent crimes that have a lot of neighbors in the area very scared. Kim Leto, 51, was found slain in her Highlandtown home on Jan. 31, and Monday's rape happened very close to where police said a 12-year-old student was robbed at gunpoint while walking to Patterson Park Public Charter School.Resident Michelle Hoyt's children go to school there."What really attracted me to this area was Patterson Park," she said. "But you can't even let your kids in the yard. You can't let them out front, and then if you do, you have to monitor them. You can't even take your trash out now without being scared."Investigators told 11 News they can't confirm if the rape was connected to the robbery of the 12-year-old girl, but they're looking into it.Anyone with information is asked to call Baltimore City police at 410-396-2076 or the Metro Crime Stoppers hotline at 866-7-LOCKUP.11 News reporter Barry Simms and WBALTV.com editor Saliqa Khan contributed to this report.