Abilene Neighborhood on Edge After Rape Suspect Arrest
By: Jessica Reyes
Updated: March 14, 2012
Authorities arrested Roberto Ramirez Tuesday after a tip led them to his girlfriend's home near the intersection of North 14th and Cedar in Abilene.
"I'm at a loss for words. I just can't believe it. It's always been quiet over there," said June Byrd, who lives across from the home where Ramirez was arrested.
According to authorities in Houston, Ramirez followed a woman onto a bus February 22. Officials said he followed her off the bus, hit her in the head with a bottle wrapped in a plastic bag, and walked her into some tall weeds where he raped her.
The victim told police Ramirez took off with nearly all of her clothing.
Women who live in the Abilene neighborhood said even with Ramirez behind bars, they'll be keeping a much closer look out.
"We don't need that. Not in this neighborhood, not in any neighborhood in Abilene," Byrd said.
Ramirez has spent time in prison, so his DNA is in the law enforcement data base. Authorities said they got a positive match in last month's assault and another sexual assault case from 2008.







