Clarksville Police are searching for three men they say kidnapped, raped, robbed and held captive a 79-year-old woman for six hours after she attempted to walk into a Madison Street pharmacy.
The woman told police she was approached at about 3:30 p.m. Monday by a knife-wielding man and forced into the back seat of her bronze 1989 Ford Escort, according to an incident report by Detective Sean Averitt.
Two other men got into the back seat with her, and the first man drove away in her car. She was ordered to undress before being sexually assaulted and forced to smoke crack cocaine, Averitt wrote.
The men drove the woman to several different locations, including University Package Store on College Street and the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Sango, where one of the men forced her to buy a carton of cigarettes and took $45 from her.
"From all indications, it appears she complied with their orders because one of the suspects was brandishing the weapon," said police spokesman Detective Vince Lewis, adding the woman also was taken to an undisclosed location in Lincoln Homes housing project, near Kraft Street.
The victim was released at 9:30 p.m. near 11th Stree, and given back her car, Averitt wrote in the report.
According to the E-911 log, the woman's daughter reported her mother missing from her Madison Street apartment at 8:44 p.m.
Lewis said District 3 Criminal Investigations unit is "following up on leads fast and furious," and Averitt already has interviewed possible witnesses and potential suspects.
The woman told police the man who initially approached her was black and looked to be 35 to 40 years old. He was wearing a dark black stocking cap with a stripe on the front, a gray or blue jacket with white sleeves, dark pants and a white shirt. She estimated him to be about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh roughly 160 pounds, according to Averitt's report.
The woman told police the other two men also were black, but could not offer specific descriptions of either.
"So far it's still unsolved, but we're still looking for suspects, and we're looking for assistance," Lewis said. "If you were in the area or saw anything or know anything about his horrendous crime, we urge you to contact us."
Averitt, who is heading up the investigation, can be reached by telephone at 648-0656, ext. 3003. Those with information also can call the Crime Stoppers tips line at 645-TIPS, where they can leave anonymous tips that can earn a cash reward.
