GRPD: 3 beat woman, threatened rape

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids Police Department is investigating a situation in which a woman said three male suspects beat and threatened to sexually assault her.

Officers were dispatched around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday to an abandoned house near Sheldon Avenue and Buckley Street SE.

It was originally reported that the woman was walking past the abandoned house, but GRPD Capt. Jeffrey Hertel said Wednesday afternoon that the woman had been in the house for an unknown reason.

Three individuals, at least one of which was a juvenile, began throwing bricks at the building, Hertel said. One of the bricks struck the woman in the head, who then called police.

The three people who had been throwing bricks then entered the house and proceeded to physically assault the woman. They threatened to sexually assault her, she said, dragging her into another room.

Officers arrived on-scene in time to prevent the sexual assault.

"About that time, the headlights of the patrol cars are seen by the victim and the suspects, and that's when the flee out the door and out the windows, " said Hertel.

One of the suspects jumped out of a second-story window.

Two of them were caught and taken into police custody. One of those suspects arrested was a 13-year-old juvenile who, according to authorities, already has a lengthy criminal record.

The other person arrested was a 24-year-old who does not have as long a record.

The Kent County Prosecutor's Office issued a warrant for assault with intent to commit penetration and unlawful imprisonment for that suspect, Fitzpatrick Williams, on Thursday.

The third suspect is still wanted. A description of him has not been released.

The woman was not injured and told authorities she doesn't know the men.

The house is owned by GRPS. The Grand Rapids University Prep charter school is next to the abandoned house.

There was also a report of someone trying to set the residence on fire but no signs of arson at the scene.

Police continue to interview witnesses.