UPDATE: An eighth sexual assault victim has come forward since this article was first published. Police are setting up community meetings and increasing area patrols.
--
Dallas police believe one man is responsible for seven unsolved sexual assaults in South Dallas. The crimes occurred between June 22 and September 1 in an area bordered by East RL Thornton Freeway, Haskell Avenue, Spring Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard.
According to police, all seven of the victims were attacked while walking in the early morning hours (between midnight and 6 am). The suspect uses a handgun to force his victims into a secluded area, where they are robbed and sexually assaulted.
The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-20s to 30s, 5-foot 6-inches to 5-foot 11-inches in height and approximately 200 pounds. He covers his face during each attack and has worn prescription glasses at times.
Although the suspect approaches his victims on foot, he has driven away from the scene of the crime in a gray sedan, possibly a Honda Civic or an older model Volvo. Dallas police are urging vigilance.
"The public should take special precautions to not walk alone in this area during early morning hours. This suspect who has relied upon darkness in making his approaches on the victims should be considered armed and dangerous," reads a statement from Dallas PD.
Anyone with information on these crimes should call Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information which leads to the arrest and indictment for this felony offense.