UPDATE-DNA Match Leads to Arrest in Senior Citizen Attack

Rodney William Blanton, 56
3900 block of Suitland Road, Suitland, Md.

Prince George’s County Police arrested 56-year-old Rodney William Blanton on a long list of charges in connection with the assault of an 84-year-old Suitland woman in February. Blanton was arrested in his Suitland home on August 30th.

The investigation revealed that on February 2nd, at approximately 3:20 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 4400 block of Arnold Road for a reported burglary. Officers found the 84-year-old victim with multiple injuries sustained during a robbery inside her home. She advised that on February 1st, an unknown man knocked on her door, posing as a neighbor. He forced his way inside and physically assaulted her. He then stole money and fled the scene. The victim remained on the floor of her home for more than 24 hours until a neighbor saw her door ajar and notified authorities.

Through the course of the investigation, Blanton was developed as a suspect through DNA evidence that was left at the crime scene. During the assault, the woman, in fear for her life, bit Blanton on the hand, causing him to bleed. That DNA evidence was collected and analyzed, which led detectives to identify Blanton. Blanton, once taken into custody, was remanded to the Department of Corrections and held on a no bond status. He is charged with first degree assault, first degree burglary, robbery and other charges.

Members of the community and media are invited to attend. For more information, call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at (301) 772-4710.