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Police Arrest Sexual Assault Suspect

March 4, 2005 -- Houston Police Sex Crimes Unit investigators have arrested a suspect wanted for an aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping that occurred at 3836 Ruth on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 about 2:30 a.m.

The suspect, Donnie Leonard Ware (b/m 09-04-87), has been charged in the 230th
State District Court with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.

HPD Sex Crimes Unit Officer K. Swatzel reported:

Ware kicked in the front door of the female victim's apartment and sexually assaulted her numerous times in the early hours of March 1. Ware threatened her with a deadly weapon (knife) and robbed the victim of cash she had in her purse. Ware made the victim get dressed and forced her to her vehicle at knifepoint. Ware drove the victim to an ATM in an unsuccessful attempt to get more cash. Ware forced the victim out of the car and fled in her vehicle with her cellular phone.

The vehicle was recovered a short time later with three persons inside, one of whom was Ware who then fled on foot. The other two passengers were taken into custody. Investigators determined the identity of the suspect by cellular phone transactions. A photo of Ware was placed in a photo spread where the victim and the witnesses from the vehicle positively identified him.

Officer Swatzel met with members of the HPD South Central Division Tactical Unit to discuss the case. The tactical unit located Ware in a residence down the street from the victim's apartment.

Ware is also wanted in Arizona for aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information in possible related cases is urged to contact the HPD Sex Crimes Unit at 713-308-1180.

JGA/JFC 3-4-05
Inc# 032149705M

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.