Brookside Rape Victim Speaks Out

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The News On 6 had an exclusive interview with the victim of last week's rape in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood.

The 19-year-old TU student was supposed to meet some friends and when she missed them, she headed to her car.

The attack happened in the parking lot behind businesses at 35th and Peoria.

The young woman is speaking out because she wants to warn all women to be on alert until this man is caught.

This young woman, we will call "June," has had a week to heal, but you can still the bruises on her face and the split lip, plus her ribs and knees are badly bruised as well.

She has been in Brookside many times and thought nothing of walking to her car after midnight last Wednesday.

A man started following her and making suggestive comments. She tried to ignore him, then tried to hurry to her car, but he caught her.

"I was grabbed; my shirt was ripped in half, clear down to my belly button," "June" said.

She says she was screaming and fighting, but, much of the attack is a blur and she just couldn't believe it was happening. She had two thoughts: survive and get a good look at him.

"You never think it would ever happen to you. My father trained me how to react in those situations. I had mace in my purse. I didn't even, once you're attacked, your mind goes blank and you think oh my God," "June" said.

She helped police create a composite sketch.  She says the man had grey streaks in his hair and on his face, which looked like he hadn't shaved in a few days. 

She even posted it on her Facebook page in order to get tips and warn others.

She understands she did nothing to provoke this attack and plans to share her message with others and she refuses to let him force her to live in fear.

"He was an opportunist, I completely believe that. I believe he saw a girl walking by herself to her car; he was drunk and went from there," "June" said.

Police say stranger rapes are very rare and they very much hope everyone will take safety precautions and keep an eye out for the man fitting the rapist's description.

The number to call with tips is 596-COPS.

As for June, she is still having nightmares but trying to get ready for finals and the holidays.

12/4/2009  Related Story: TU Student Sexually Assaulted, Police Search For Suspect