Police are asking the community for information on two violent crimes — a home robbery in the Mendenhall Valley and a theft/assault on a woman near the Mendenhall Mall — that after three months haven’t turned up any new leads.
The Juneau Police Department on Tuesday highlighted the two incidents, which took place in January, as their “Crime of the Week.”
According to JPD press releases, the first offense took place on Jan. 8 when two men entered a 29-year-old woman’s home in the 9200 block of James Boulevard where she lived alone. One man punched her in the face, then both men kicked her stomach and ribs while she was on the ground. They then stole a ring and change from the woman’s kitchen drawers, totaling $120 in stolen goods.
Both men are believed to be approximately 5’6” tall with slim builds and tan complexions. They wore mostly black clothing, and one of the men had dark hair. Police said at the time that the woman suffered minor injuries but did not require medical attention.
Less than two weeks later on Jan. 20, police said a 52-year-old woman reported two boys, possibly teenagers, stole her backpack near the Mendenhall Mall. The boys allegedly threw the woman down on the ground before taking her bag that contained an estimated $400 worth of items.
On Tuesday, JPD Lt. Scott Erickson told the Empire that both crimes are serious but that police don’t have any suspects. He said he hopes highlighting the cases as the “Crime of the Week” will generate tips from the public.
Erickson noted that although both incidents took place two months ago, it’s important to keep the cases active because of the violent nature of the crimes.
Earlier this month on March 2, police reported another against a woman in the Mendenhall Valley. A masked man struck a 32-year-old woman in the 1900 block of Dunn Street while she was getting inside of her car. The woman was able to resist her attacker and later received treatment at Bartlett Regional Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police described the suspect in that case as being between 5’7” and 5’9” tall, having a skinny build, a dark complexion and large dark brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and a black ski mask with white around the mouth.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents can contact JPD at 586-0600 or can send tips anonymously to the Juneau Crime Line at juneaucrimeline.com. Tipsters are guaranteed anonymity and can be rewarded.
• Contact reporter Paula Ann Solis at 523-2272 or paula.solis@juneauempire.com.
