From ABC7:
D.C. Police say a woman was sexually assaulted inside her Northeast apartment Friday night, then taken to ATMs around the area and forced to withdraw money before the suspect fled.
Officers say the victim was returning to her basement apartment on the 900 block of Perry Place, NE when she was grabbed and dragged inside before being raped and beaten.
Investigators say her attacker then forced the victim into a vehicle and drove to different locations where she was ordered to withdraw money from her bank account.
Police say after visiting several ATM locations, the suspect returned to the victims apartment where he fled on foot.
While it isn't the ultimate protection from maniacs, think about purchasing pepper spray - it's legal in the District, though it must be registered with MPD. I purchased mine from Arnold Passman of Live Safe America when he spoke on personal safety at my office; if you tell him you live in DC, he can supply you with the proper paperwork to file. And, for the love of god, leave your porch light on, and ask your neighbors to do the same.
