September 12, 2016
Richmond Police detectives are asking for the public’s help
to identify a suspect who is entering homes through unlocked doors and exposing
himself or physically assaulting female occupants.
Six incidents have occurred between August 29 and September
11 that detectives believe are connected. All of these incidents have taken
place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Ashley Park, Bramblewood Estates and St.
Johns’s Wood neighborhoods off of Jahnke Road.
“The suspect in these incidents is knocking on windows and
taking advantage of unlocked doors,” said Captain James Laino with the Major
Crimes Division. “We urge residents to secure their homes by locking all
doors and windows and report any suspicious persons or activity by calling
911.”
On August 29, officers responded to a report of a break-in
and assault in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The victim stated she was
awakened around 6:15 a.m. by an unknown black male inappropriately touching
her. She screamed and when another resident entered the room the suspect fled.
Another break-in and assault with a similar sequence of
events was reported on September 2 in the 500 block of Harrow Road. At
approximately 2:15 a.m. the victim woke to an unknown black male touching her
inappropriately. Another resident came into the room and scared the suspect
away.
Four days later on September 6, two incidents were reported
in roughly an hour. The first took place at about 6 a.m. in the 6900 block of
Marlowe Road. The second happened around 7 a.m. in the 1400 block of Brownleaf
Drive. Both victims reported hearing knocking at a bedroom window.
The victim on Marlowe Road turned on the outside light and
saw an unknown black male, who ran away as the light came on. Police
found signs of an attempt to force entry into the residence in a torn porch
screen.
On Brownleaf Drive, the victim told police she saw an
unknown male outside of her window exposing himself. He was last seen walking
toward Whitesand Drive.
Around 1 a.m. on September 9, officers were called to the
500 block of Rossmore Drive in reference to a break-in and indecent exposure.
The victim advised that an unknown black male entered her apartment, exposed
himself and then fled on foot.
Yesterday morning just before 5 a.m., officers responded to
the 1000 block of St. Ann’s Drive for a reported break-in and assault. The
victim stated an unknown black male entered the home, touched her
inappropriately then fled through the back door of the residence.
In each case, the suspect has been described as a black male
with a small but muscular build and short hair in twists or curls. At the time
of the incidents, he has worn all black or dark clothing. He may also be
wearing a beanie or stocking-style hat.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call
Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at
(804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or
text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by
your tip.