Suspect sexually assaulted teen at Canby Park in Wilmington: Police

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- Police in New Castle County, Delaware are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect wanted for sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

It happened around 6:40 a.m. Monday at Canby Park near Banning Road.

The victim told detectives she was walking in the park when the suspect approached her in the area of Banning Road near St. Elizabeth's High School.

The teen said the suspect continued to walk alongside her. He then displayed a weapon before sexually assaulting her.

"Teenage victim was walking in the park and she was approached by the suspect in the area of St. Elizabeth's High School and began to walk alongside her. A short time later the suspect displayed a weapon and sexually assaulted her inside Canby Park," said Ofc. Grigori Lopez-Garcia.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 16 to 25 years of age, thin build, brown skin with a short haircut. He was last seen wearing a black hat, white T-shirt under a red, white and blue puffy coat, dark-colored pants and white Nike sneakers.

Unfortunately, neighbors say Canby Park is no stranger to violence. Three years ago a woman was found murdered there.

"I don't know many of the details but they found a body on, of all things, a sliding board," said a neighbor who did not want to share his name.

Police are asking park goers to be vigilant as they look for the suspect in this most recent crime.

"Anybody who's walking by the park themselves make sure they have a buddy or friend with them make sure they have their cell phone handy and a flashlight available and if they see something that doesn't belong in the area call it in," said Ofc. Lopez-Garcia.

Anyone with information should call Detective Michelle Burrus at 302-395-8131 or email at Michelle.Burrus@newcastlede.gov, or call the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.