CRIME
Rodney William Blanton arrested months after Suitland attack
Updated: September 6, 2012 - 05:36 pm
A DNA link has led to the arrest of a man in connection to the February attack and robbery of a 84-year-old woman in Suitland, police say.
Prince George's County Police say that 56-year-old Rodney William Blanton was arrested Aug. 30, nearly seven months after he allegedly assaulted the victim at her Arnold Road home and stole money from her.
The assault and robbery happened on Feb. 1, when the 84-year-old victim said that a man forced his way inside her home and assaulted her, stole $50 from her purse and fled. The victim remained on the floor for 24 hours until neighbors found her door ajar and called authorities.
During the assault, though, police say the victim was able to bite Blanton on the hand, drawing blood. Authorities say they were then able to collect DNA evidence from the blood, which led detectives to identify Blanton as a suspect.
Blanton faces charges of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary and robbery, among other charges. He is being held without bond at the Department of Corrections.
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