REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - Rehoboth Beach Police are looking for the suspect of a sexual assault that occurred on the beach Wednesday. Police confirmed to CoastTV that the victim was under the age of 18-years-old.
On June 19, at about 12:02 a.m., the police department was made aware of the sexual assault that happened on the beach near Brooklyn Avenue. The victim was taken to the hospital, treated and released.
The news of a sexual assault happening here in Rehoboth Beach is alarming, especially for visitors like Kelly O'Connor.
"I was shocked hearing about this story because usually, you know, we think of Rehoboth as a very safe place," explained O'Connor.
The police department says events like this are rare, and they pride themselves on keeping the nation's summer capital safe.
"So, Rehoboth Beach is fortunate because we don't have a lot of serious crime, but it does happen every now and then, and we've been pretty successful at bringing the people who commit those crimes to justice," explained Rehoboth Beach Police Captain Jaime Riddle.
Reno Intreglia, the Director of Operations for Louie's Pizza, said he wants to see the city spend more money on security, and he tells his employees to be extra cautious at night.
"During the day, there seems to be a decent police presence in the area, especially with the seasonal officers, but at night, especially after ten, it really does turn into a little bit of a desert for security here," said Intreglia.
Police say the suspect is currently at large and anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to contact the Rehoboth Beach Police Department at 302-227-2577 or Delaware Crimestoppers at 800-847-3333.
