10-year-old girl sexually assaulted at gunpoint during home break-in, police say

SEATTLE -- A 10-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted at gunpoint after a man broke into a family's home early Monday in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, police said.

The family called 911 at about 6 a.m. and said the man entered their home near 53rd Ave. South and South Wabash St., sexually assaulted their daughter and then fled the house with several items, police said.

Officers said they searched the neighborhood, but were unable to find the suspect.

Officers called for detectives and Crime Scene Investigators to interview witnesses and gather evidence at the scene, and then went door to door in Rainier Beach to see if neighbors had information on a possible suspect.

Investigators believe the suspect is a black male, 30 to 40 years old, possibly with mutton chop sideburns, last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and black shorts. Police are currently working with child specialists to interview the victim and gather a thorough description of the suspect.

Police said they would like to remind  residents to lock or secure windows with a dowel or similar wedge, and ensure all doors are locked and closed at night.