Anonymous (76.104.197.x) 20 May 2008 00:08
South Precinct Email
COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION
May 19, 2008
Dear Community Friends,
There has been another assault by “the Groper.” The incident happened Saturday, May 17th at approximately 10am on the 7500 Block of Renton Ave S. An Asian female was walking northbound on Renton Ave S with a young child, approximately two-years of age. The suspect approached the adult woman from behind. The suspect was seen groping the woman’s buttocks. The suspect backed away when the woman screamed. The scream drew the attention of several witnesses in the area. The female victim was seen running northbound with the child along Renton Ave S.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 40 years of age, 5-10, flesh colored shaving bumps on left side of face. Suspect vehicle is a 1994 green Jeep Cherokee.
The adult female victim has not yet come forward to speak with police about the incident. We very much need to speak with this woman. She is described as an adult Asian female, possibly in her 40’s-50’s, wearing a white top and black pants. She was walking with a 2-year-old child on Renton Ave S at about 10am on Saturday May 17th, 2008. If you know this woman, please encourage her to come forward. It is extremely important that detectives speak with her. Please contact our Sexual Assault unit at 206.684.5575.
Personal Safety Tips
• Stay alert. Scan your surroundings; make brief eye contact with those around you. Send the message that you’re aware of what’s going on around you.
• When you’re out, pay attention to the present moment.
• Trust your instincts! Don’t ignore your gut feeling or early danger signals. If a situation appears unsafe, look for avenues of escape.
• Know what you’re capable of doing. Are you capable of screaming, running or fighting? Have a plan! What would you do if you were attacked?
• If the situation or the area is a safety concern, keep someone informed of your moves. Consider carrying a cellular phone. Also consider carrying a whistle.
• Don’t take unnecessary risks. If you feel a location or a situation is unsafe – get out. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable, give yourself permission to do something about it. Cross the street or go into a store.
• Draw attention to yourself if you’re in a threatening situation. Yell, shout, and scream. By drawing attention to yourself, you draw attention to the attacker.
Using Public Transportation
• Know the bus or transportation schedule to minimize waiting times at the stop.
• Avoid sleeping, cleaning out your pockets, balancing checkbooks etc. If you read, look up periodically.
• If possible, sit near the front of the bus, near or within easy view of the driver.
Handbags, Other Bags, Purses & Wallets
• Before you leave home, decide what you actually need to take with you rather than automatically taking your entire handbag or wallet out of habit. For example, if you are going to the grocery store for a few items, you can carry cash, a single check, or credit/debit card, I.D. and keys in a pocket.
• Carry keys in your pocket rather than in a purse or handbag.
• Don’t leave your valuables (bags, purses, briefcases,) unattended. We often will leave them in dressing rooms, shopping carts and cars…. Always maintain positive control over your items.
Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator