FBI Joins Hunt for Michigan Serial Killer
FLINT, Mich. (CBS/WNEM/AP) The Federal Bureau of Investigation has teamed up with Michigan State Police in the hunt to find a knife-wielding serial killer believed to have attacked 16 men around Flint, Mich., killing five of them. Three similar attacks have been reported in Leesburg, Va. and one in Toledo Ohio.
The attacks in the Flint area began on May 24 and targeted males 17 to 60. In Michigan, all but two of the 16 victims were African American, but it was only last week that a pattern became apparent to police.
"There's just so many similarities that we have to sort through, victims' statements and reports, so this can be very tedious," said Michigan State Police Lt. Pat McGreevy, according to CBS affiliate WNEM.
The Leesburg victims were two African-American men and a Latino teen with a dark complexion. Most of the Michigan attacks occurred in Flint, about 50 miles north of Detroit. Investigators say they are unsure if the attacks were racially motivated.
Police say the suspect is a white male, in his late 20s to early 30s, 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-2 and 180 to 210 pounds. Survivors told police that their assailant is a white, muscular male with light-colored hair, and is driving a green and gold SUV, similar to a Chevy Blazer or GMC Jimmy.
According to WNEM, all the victims were outside alone at night. Survivors have said the attacker approached them under the pretense of needing directions or help with a broken down vehicle.
"He then pulls a knife and attacks them without saying anything more," said Flint Police Lt. T.P. Johnson.
Authorities say seven police agencies and 14 investigators are dedicated solely to tracking down the alleged serial killer before he can strike again.The FBI is also assisting Leesburg police.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to call the tip line at 1-866-246-9500.
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