Published: March 28, 2008 11:56 pm         

Mysterious assault leaves woman injured

Keyser resident woke up to man with 2-by-4 in bedroom around 3:30 a.m.

KEYSER, W.Va. — Keyser City Police are continuing to investigate an incident in which a South Main Street woman was allegedly assaulted by a man who suddenly appeared in her bedroom.

Police said the victim awoke at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday and was reportedly assaulted by a man who was armed with a 2-by-4 board.

A second female occupant heard the victim’s cries for help and ran from another part of the house to fend off the man and force him out of the residence.

The suspect left the residence by force before driving off in a minivan, police said.

The victim sustained a large bruise to one arm and a laceration to a finger but apparently did not seek medical treatment.

The suspect was described as being more than 6 feet tall, of heavy build, having brown hair, mustache and beard. He was said to be wearing jeans and a gray shirt at the time of the incident.

Police found no signs of forced entry into the residence.

Police Chief Karen Shoemaker said the incident was “unusual” for the Keyser area and urged residents to take precautionary security measures.

“Residents should keep their doors and windows locked. Outside lighting is also beneficial as a precautionary measure,” she said.

Shoemaker said there have been no other entries or attempted entries reported to her department recently.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect may call Keyser Police at (304) 788-1311 or (301) 786-4308.