Special reward offered for serial rapist tips

Investigators hope a new public effort to find Tulsa's serial rapist, will pay off. <br/><br/>The Citizens Crime Commission has created a reward fund just for tips in this case. News on 6 reporter

Thursday, November 3rd 2005, 10:15 am

By: News On 6

Investigators hope a new public effort to find Tulsa's serial rapist, will pay off.

The Citizens Crime Commission has created a reward fund just for tips in this case. News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin explains how you can get involved.

Carol Bush with the Citizens Crime Commission: "Because this is such a serious, heinous criminal running loose out there, he felt the need to do something special." A local business owner got the ball rolling, donating $1,000 to help find the serial rapist. [Click here to see composites of the suspect]

The Citizens Crime Commission is hoping others will add to the fund, enough to entice someone with crucial information to come forward. "We're hoping with an added boost to this particular crime, with this particular criminal that we can put a stop to this."

It's worked in the past, since the program started in the early 70â€™s; citizen tips to Crimestoppers have led to more than 4,500 felony arrests.

Tulsa Police say they have no shortage of tips on the serial rapist case; it's just a matter of getting the right one. Since forming a task force, investigators have been flooded with calls, but so far, none has led to a suspect.

Carol Bush says the nature of the crime is so shocking, many citizens feel they have to do something to help. "There are seven confirmed cases and the eight is a possible maybe and that's a two year old girl. That's hitting home. Now you're talking about my kids and my neighbors kids."

Anyone wishing to donate to the reward fund needs to call the Crime Commission directly at 585-5209. Officials ask that the Crimestoppers hotline be used only for tips for investigators.