Saratoga Springs said they are investigating two sexual assaults that have occurred in the past week, both of which occurred late at night in a residential area on the west side of the city.
According to information from police, in each attack a single female was assaulted from behind by a lone male suspect who did not display a weapon and who has been described as tall and thin wearing a dark colored hoodie and jeans, possibly with long hair.
Police said the first assault occurred early Sunday morning, July 24, at about 2 a.m. when a single female was walking on Waterbury Street near Russell Street when she was attacked from behind. After the attack, the suspect took the victim’s purse and walked away from the area, said police. A responding officer located a witness on Clinton Street who saw a person matching the description of the suspect walking away, but was unable to provide a detailed description of the suspect or where he went prior to police arriving at the scene, said police.
The victim received medical treatment and was released later that morning from Saratoga Hospital.
The second assault occurred July 29 at about 11:40 p.m. when a single female, walking on Clinton Street near Vermont Street, was also attacked from behind, said police. The attack was interrupted by two witnesses, one of whom gave chase for a brief time before the suspect was lost in the area of Clinton and Waterbury Streets, said police, and neither the victim nor the witnesses could provide a detailed description of the suspect.
Police said about 10 police officers and investigators conducted extensive searches of the backyards in the area but didn’t find the suspect.
The victim was treated for minor injuries at Saratoga Hospital and has been released.
Police said they believe that the attacker in both cases is the same individual and are urging women to take safety precautions, especially late at night and if walking alone.
Police encourage women to:
-Travel with others if possible
-Always be aware of your surroundings and other people in the area
-Let someone know where you are going and the route you plan to take to get there
-Carry a cell phone and have it readily available
-Avoid dark areas and stick to well-lit streets
If at any time you feel you are in danger or feel uncomfortable call police immediately.
City police are asking any one who may have information regarding these attacks to contact them at 584-1800, on the web at www.saratogapolice.org or anonymously at 584-TIPS (8477).
Police said they will increase patrols in the area in an attempt to identify and arrest this suspect.
Check back to spotlightnews.com for updates on this story.
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