GPD warns about stranger attacks

Press release from Gainesville Police Department

GPD Detectives are working two separate attacks on women that have occurred during the past week and are warning our neighbors to be alert and to report suspicious activity when observed.

On Monday, February 10th at approximately 11:00 p.m., a female was walking in the 2500 block of SW 35th Pl when she was attacked by a male and dragged into the wood line. The female victim was able to fight off her attacker and call for help. The suspect was described as a white male, 20–30 years old, 6’00” to 6’03”, brown / blond hair, beard, last seen wearing a dark hooded jacket with a dark cloth covering his face.

On Wednesday, February 12th at approximately 7:00 a.m., a female was walking on the trail in Alfred Ring Park, 1801 NW 23rd Ave, when she was attacked by a male and sexually battered. The male was last seen running toward NW 16th Ave. The suspect was described as a white male, 30–40 years old, 5’06” to 5’08”, light-colored eyes, last seen wearing all dark clothing, gloves, and had a black cloth around his face.

It is unknown if this is the same subject in each attack. Please be alert and report any activity to the non-emergency number at 352-955-1818 or to Detective Warren Brown at 352-393-7658. Anonymous tips can be submitted for a cash reward at Crime Stoppers, www.stopcrime.tv.