Woman claims rape at grocery store in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are investigating a woman's claims of being raped in the parking lot of a popular shopping center in the Magnolia area.

Investigators tell KPRC 2 a woman claims to have been raped Monday evening in a parking lot off FM 1488 at FM 2978.

"It's pretty crazy, I mean we live like three minutes down the road," said Jessica Dinkins. "You would think somebody would notice, be aware, other people. I'm just in utter; oh my goodness."

Investigators said the woman claimed the attack happened shortly after 5 p.m. -- a time when the shopping center is filled customers.

"I've lived out here for eight years. I grocery shop here, I bring my grand babies here and I park and ride here with a friend everyday," said Winnie Crews.

The bustling nature of this strip center is what had many people stunned to hear the woman claim the attack happened during such a busy time of day. There is a grocery store, gas station, restaurants and other businesses in this strip center.

"That's really hard to fathom, you know what I'm saying, because you see the lot, there's so much activity here," said Charis Hurt.

Sheriff's detectives are releasing few details of the attack; saying only the 23-year-old woman claimed to have been raped in her truck. Detectives said her truck was towed to the Sheriff's Office so it can be examined for potential clues.

Sheriff's officials also said the only description of the attacker that was given was that of an Hispanic man in his 40s.


About the Author:

Award winning investigative journalist who joined KPRC 2 in July 2000. Husband and father of the Master of Disaster and Chaos Gremlin. “I don’t drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.”