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Sexual Assault Victim Speaks Out As Authorities Ramp Up Investigation

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Detectives are canvassing a Baltimore neighborhood as the investigation continues into a home invasion and sexual assault of a 71-year-old woman.

It happened in the 5300 block of Beaufort Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Pat Artis recounts the frightening experience with WJZ saying, "It makes me fearful where I've never had fear."

Artis says she was sleeping when she felt someone touching her. She told police she saw a black man dressed in black clothing and a mask, armed with a knife.

"He said, 'I know you got kids in here, so where's the money at?'"

Artis points the suspect to her wallet moments before sexually assaulting her.

"My upper most thought that night was to protect her and do whatever I needed to do to get this man out of my house in a hurry," she says.

Police say the man eventually took Artis' car which he later crashed.

The crime scene in this case is about a mile away from another violent home invasion involving an elderly woman, which occurred on May 4.

The victim in that case, 90-year-old Mary Hines, died last week.

RELATED: 90-Year-Old Woman Dies After Violent Baltimore Home Invasion

On Tuesday, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake canvassed the area for clues.

"The thought that in particular our seniors, the elderly are being prayed upon is unconscionable," said the mayor.

With possible DNA recovered in Artis' car police are confident they're closer to finding a suspect who may be the same in both recent home invasions.

"Evidence was recovered and we're vigorously pursuing those investigative leads," said Davis.

Artis says, "This is not just a fight for me, it's a fight for everybody."

The suspect is described as a black male in his 20's, about six feet tall and 150 pounds.

Some neighbors tell WJZ they are concerned about broken street lights in the community, saying it's constantly dark and easy access for criminals.

BGE says they'll be surveying the area tonight to fix any broken lights.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police.

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