Sex assault scaring apartment residents

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Neighbors are being asked to be on alert and take extra precautions after a rape in North Austin. Police are not giving many details - citing an open investigation - but did confirm the rape happened at the Martha's Vineyard Apartment complex on San Felipe Boulevard of off Highway 183.

Neighbors at the Martha's Vineyard Apartment complex received a warning on their apartments Tuesday night, telling them there had been a sex assault in the area and asking them to be as careful as possible.

"I’m scared to death really,” said Christella Lozano, apartment resident. “I read it and I had to sit down; I was scared.”

Lozano is just one of several neighbors surprised to come home to the notice.

"I was just appalled," said Mary Wintz. “I mean it doesn’t really give you any direction of what or where or how or if there was any arrest."

Apartment management said to protect privacy of the victim they cannot share more. However, concerned neighbors said they want and need answers.

“I want to know because I have a right to know,” said Lozano.

The letter asks recommends residents are especially cautious. That will not be a problem for neighbors who said they will constantly be looking over their shoulders just walking to their cars.

“My child plays outside everyday, I sometimes come in late from work when it’s dark,” said Wintz. "I sometimes go to work early in the morning when it’s dark. I don’t walk out my door and into my car I have to walk like 20 feet into my car, so I’m worried about it.”

Wintz said she will not be letting her son play outside until she learns more. Other neighbors have been talking about walking each other home.

“I said did you get the letter they said 'yes' I said 'guys what are we going to do?' They said 'get a can of mace,'” said Lozano.

They'll also be sure to locking their windows and doors

“I like to leave my backdoor open and get fresh air in my house," said Wintz. "Who wants to do that if you don’t know what’s lurking around."

Residents said it is a shame they cannot feel safe in their own homes.

“I’ve always felt safe and now I don’t feel safe anymore,” said Lozano.