Police release sketch of man thought involved in kidnapping, assault

Police say they now think they have a face to go with the vague description of the man allegedly responsible for the abduction and possible sexual assault of a Knox County woman Aug. 4.
Corbin Police Capt. Tim Helton, who is investigating the case, released a composite sketch of the suspect and released it to the media Tuesday in hopes the general public can assist.
“I don’t know who he is or if he’s from here,” Helton said. “Maybe, it will help.”
Helton said the sketch was produced Tuesday morning with assistance from the victim. The News Journal does not publish the identity of victims of alleged sex crimes.
The woman, who is 39-years-old, was abducted at gunpoint from the BP gas station on the corner of 18th and Main Streets in Corbin Aug. 4 sometime before sundown and was forced to drive to an unknown location between the Whitley County communities of Woodbine and Rockholds. Police say the man had asked the woman for directions in the parking lot of the store prior to entering her car.
Helton said the woman was “physically assaulted” and slipped in and out of consciousness before waking up in her vehicle the next day at about 3:45 p.m. near mile marker 1 on the shoulder of I-75. She drove to a nearby state welcome center and called a friend who then took her to Baptist Regional Medical Center where she was treated for her injuries and released.
Kentucky State Police first responded to the case. The Whitley County Major Crimes Task Force was activated shortly thereafter.
“There are some possible leads right now, but nothing specific,” he said. “Evidence that’s been collected has been sent to the Kentucky State Police Central Crime Lab for examination.”
Authorities are now trying to determine exactly where the woman was taken in Whitley County before she was assaulted. Helton said there was at least one perpetrator involved, possibly more.
Helton said Tuesday that some leads in the case have developed and being followed-up.
Anyone who has information regarding the case is encouraged to call Corbin Police as 528-1122.