U.S.

Cops Release Description Of Reno Kidnapper

January 29, 2008 / 7:28 AM EST / CBS/AP

Reno police investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old Brianna Denison say they are looking for a suspect whose DNA has been linked to the crime scene as well as the scene of the kidnapping and assault of a University of Nevada, Reno student in December.

The person in question may also be linked to an attempted sexual assault in November, reports CBS News'Early Show correspondent Jeff Glor.

Reno Police Det. Bob McDonald said the same person, someone who may live near the victims, is responsible for the three attacks, reports Glor.

One of the victims, who is no longer living in the area, has been cooperating with the police, and provided an extensive description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle, reports Glor.

The police released the following description of the suspect:

White man, 28-40 years old; long face with a square chin, facial hair about a quarter to a half an inch long below his chin that was soft and not prickly like stubble; brown hair; shaved pubic area.

Taller than 5-foot-6 and had a firm stomach with an "innie" belly button. He was strong but not overly muscular. He had no accent when he spoke. He had no alcohol or cigarettes on his breath and wore no cologne.

He wore a red short-sleeve shirt of a jersey material described as silk/nylon or polyester, with a medium blue neckline and possible embroidery on the upper left breast area. He wore a shirt underneath extended to his wrists. He wore smooth pants with an elastic waist similar to basketball warm ups.

His vehicle was described as an extended cab pickup or sport-utility vehicle with a dome light above the windshield and a step to get inside. He had a floor-mounted, skinny console that opens in front. The LED read-out on the radio was blue and red, the vehicle had cloth seats and an automatic transmission.

A baby shoe was on the front seat floor board, and white pieces of paper about eight and one half by 11 inches with typing on them were on the floorboard of the front seat.

"He likes darkness and seems to be very familiar with the neighborhoods," said McDonald.

The problem is that the DNA doesn't match up with anyone in the National Crime Database, meaning the person in question may not have a criminal record.

McDonald said if the suspect is not caught, he will strike again. That prediction has struck fear in the neighborhood filled with college students, reports Glor. Many have recently been made aware of the list of 93 sex offenders living within a mile of the crime scene.

Police are asking neighbors to help with the search.

"Somebody in that neighborhood has seen something, somebody sitting in a car at 4 in the morning that shouldn't be there," McDonald told Glor.

Anyone with information can reach the Reno police hot line at 745-3521, detectives at 334-2115 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.
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