RICHMOND, Va. — A man wanted for raping a wheelchair-bound woman is on the run, according to U.S. Marshals.
Michael Hawkins, known as Zombie Mike to his friends, raped the mentally-challenged woman in her Schenectady, New York in June 2012, U.S. Marshals said.
Authorities said Hawkins as ties to the western U.S. and could be hiding out in Oregon, California or other states nearby.
“Predators like Michael Hawkins who prey on helpless victims must be brought to justice,” U.S. Marshal David McNulty, of the Northern District of New York, said. “We, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, are determined to make sure he’s held accountable, but we need the public’s help.”
The alleged attack happened while the woman’s family slept in a nearby room.
The victim reported the crime the next day and a warrant was issued for Hawkins’ arrest, the U.S. Marshals said. He was charged with aggravated sex abuse in the first-degree and other crimes due to the woman’s disabilities.
“Hawkins remained undetected by authorities until the following year when he allegedly raped again,” Marshals said. “On November 8, 2013, Hawkins allegedly sexually assaulted the wife of a friend, who had invited Hawkins to his Rotterdam, New York, home for a family gathering. In this case, he was charged with first-degree rape.”
Investigators believe Hawkins may have fled New York.
“He has personal ties in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, California and Florida, but his whereabouts are currently unknown,” Marshals said.
Hawkins earned the nickname “Zombie” for his poor hygiene. He was described as someone who can hide anywhere including wooded areas and survive off of scraps.
“Due to his past employment with traveling carnival companies based in New Jersey and North Carolina, he could be working and traveling with similar companies in Ohio, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and states along the East Coast,” Marshals said. “Hawkins is a 5-foot-9 white male weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.”
His unique physical characteristics include a 1 ½ inch scar on his face, a burn mark scar on his right arm, and a chest tattoo of the Grim Reaper. According to friends, he is known to have a temper and abuse alcohol.
“The Schenectady and Rotterdam Police departments, along with the Marshals, have dedicated countless man-hours during this fugitive investigation,” McNulty said. “With the public’s help, we are confident Hawkins will be arrested.”
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading directly to Hawkins’ arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or email: usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
