A woman fought off an attacker Wednesday morning in Aurora — the third assault or attempted assault thought to be linked to the same knife-wielding man this year.
Detective Shannon Youngquist Lucy of the Aurora Police Department urged women to be cautious because of the man’s tactics.
“All of these women were in their neighborhoods. One was walking a dog, one was using her cellphone, and one was walking toward her residence,” Lucy said. “People normally feel secure in that situation. You can’t be paranoid all the time. But keep your eyes open and be on your toes.”
The first incident occurred in April. The second occurred Aug. 15.
Lucy said the April incident occurred near East Alameda Avenue and South Ironton Street, where the female victim was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in the man’s car.
The second and third incidents occurred near East Iliff Avenue and South Peoria Street, about 2 miles from the April sexual assault.
On Aug. 15, a woman was accosted while sitting outside her residence. The victim resisted, and the assailant fled.
Early Wednesday, a woman was outside her residence when she was attacked. She, too, resisted, and the man fled.
The suspect is described as being of Latino or Middle Eastern descent and in his 20s or 30s. He is 5 foot 7 to 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighs 160 to 175 pounds.
In the April kidnapping and sexual assault, the attacker was driving a white or silver “boxy” vehicle that smelled of marijuana and cigarettes, Lucy said. He was described as having a bald or shaved head and a mustache.
In the two Iliff Avenue-Peoria Street attacks, the assailant was described as having short, dark hair and a Spanish or Middle Eastern accent.
In all three cases, the man threatened the women with a knife.
Lucy said investigators believe the incidents may be related because of three factors: the similar physical description of the assailant in each attack; the close proximity of the attacks to one another; and threats with a knife in each incident.
She said that at this point, there is no indication the man stalked the victims before the attacks. She said the attacks could be “crimes of opportunity.”
One of the victims was injured.
The Aurora Police Department is offering up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information or tips is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 303-913-7867 or Detective Ron Hahn at 303-739-6066.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
