WRIC TV-8News (Richmond, Va.)
The Charlottesville, Va. Police Department is defending the way it’s handling the search for a serial rapist despite an outcry by some minorities.
Last night, officers held a meeting to explain their method. They’ve been selectively stopping black males and getting their DNA from a cheek swab. Even though it’s legal, black community leaders say the tactic is not ethical and needs to stop.
“If the suspect was white, would you do the same thing. Absolutely. If Asian, do the same thing, if a woman, do the same thing,” said Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo.
Police said that since 1997, the serial rapist has been linked to about eight sexual assaults and may have even attacked 12 other women.