Man posing as
officer suspected in
four rapes
Most victims are homeless
By Rod Ohira
or prostitutes
Star-BulletinA man, posing as a law enforcement officer in some cases, has raped four women and attempted to assault another in the downtown Honolulu area since late November 1998.
"Most of the victims are homeless street people or prostitutes and these type cases normally don't attract a lot of attention," said Detective Letha DeCaires, coordinator of the Honolulu Police Department's CrimeStoppers program.
"But sex crimes detectives know from experience that serial rapists and murderers will often target these types of people first."
Based on descriptions provided by victims and the area of town where the attacks are occurring, police believe several reported cases may be related, DeCaires said.
The suspect has displayed a badge to some victims.
"The suspect has indicated that he may be associated with some type of law-enforcement agency," Det. Dennis Kim of HPD's adult sex-crimes detail said.
The attacks began last Nov. 29 when a female prostitute was attacked on the grounds of Central Middle School after accepting a "date" with a man, who later told her he was a law-enforcement officer.
On Feb. 18 of this year, a woman walking along Vineyard Boulevard was approached by a man, who complimented her and then asked for a cigarette.
The woman was then assaulted and dragged into a nearby stairwell, where she was raped.
The third reported attack occurred April 24 on the 1400 block of Ward Avenue.
The victim told police she awoke to find a man in her apartment, trying to remove her shorts. He fled when she began screaming.
On May 5, a prostitute reported that she was beaten and raped by a man in the parking lot of Kauluwela Elementary School near Aala Park by a man she met at a downtown fast-food restaurant.
Four days later, another downtown prostitute was taken to Old Pali Drive and attacked shortly after midnight. About four hours later, a woman driving home from work reported that she was pulled over by a man displaying a badge and identifying himself as a law-enforcement officer.
When the woman attempted to make a telephone call, the man took her cellular phone and fled. Police are investigating that incident as a robbery. DeCaires said police will be canvassing the area around Vineyard Boulevard and Aala and Liliha streets this weekend to alert women.
Sex-assault prevention
Outdoors: Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well-lighted areas. Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions.
Source: National Crime Prevention Council
