SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Two days after a 60-year-old woman was raped and robbed while taking a walk in Sunrise, police are searching for another man who targeted an 18-year-old woman.
According to the Sunrise Police Department, the 60-year-old victim was walking along the 3600 block of Northwest 90th Terrace when she was confronted by an unknown male subject, around 6 a.m. Monday.
Neighbors who live in the area told 7News that they believe the encounter occurred near several bushes that are planted just north of Oakland Park Boulevard. They said they saw investigators concentrating most in that area.
Early Tuesday, an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted along the 4900 block of Sheridan Street in Hollywood. The woman was approached by a man with a knife who pulled her in the bushes to conceal the crime.
Detectives are searching for a man driving a silver, 2-door vehicle with dark-tinted windows and purple lights who may have information or who may have even witnessed the attack. The driver of the vehicle is described as a man in his 30s with brown facial hair. He was last seen wearing a gray tank top.
It is unknown if the two attacks are related. “Our detectives have been in contact with the Sunrise Police Department. It’s just too early to tell right now if this is the same suspect,” said Miranda Grossman of the Hollywood Police Department.
On Wednesday, police combed through the Sunrise neighborhood passing out wanted flyers of the sketch of the suspect in the case of the 60-year-old victim to residents.
Mara Quintero, a nearby resident who frequents the park where the attack occurred, said she was shocked by the news. “If she was used to doing this every morning, and all of a sudden this happened, then she must be horrified. I would be too.”
Quintero said she comes to the nearby park all the time for her morning workouts and has never felt unsafe – until now. “The times that I have come, I have never seen anything to be suspicious of.”
“This is getting crazy. Every day we have to be aware of who’s around, who’s new around because, I mean, I’ve been living here for 22 years, never see something like that before,” Jose Colon said.
Police have released a sketch of the man in question.
Officials said the man grabbed the 60-year-old from behind and placed her in a choke hold before dragging her into the bushes.
“Where he struck her several times in the face with a closed fist. During that time, he then sexually battered the victim while she tried to get away,” Sunrise Police Officer Chris Piper said. “We have multiple detectives that are out here constantly working, trying to locate the suspect. ”
The assailant then fled by foot with her cellphone.
Police describe the man they are looking for as someone between the ages of 30 and 40 years old with a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, long black pants, white tennis shoes and eyeglasses.
The victim suffered an fracture near her eye socket and facial injuries from the brutal attack.
Colon said police have been going door-to-door looking for information.
“A lot of detectives, they came door-to-door, so that’s good. That’s a good sign, and I see a lot of police,” Colon said.
One neighbor, when asked if she recognized the man in the sketch, responded, “he does a little bit. So that’s a little scary. Maybe I saw him walking around here, because I walk here everyday.”
Another nearby resident said the area is a family neighborhood.
“This is a family neighborhood, a lot of kids. It’s nerve-wracking and we don’t want to live like this,” Paul Ceparano said.
Another neighbor, Paulette Rose said, “Yes,” when asked if she was worried. “Because my daughter is a single mom.
Police are asking the community to step up and provide the tips detectives need in order to arrest this man. “And we’re looking for their help,” said Piper. “We put a picture of this guy, she was able to provide a composite, and it’s important that they get involved, and if they recognize this guy to contact us.”
If you know anything about this or this attack, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous when you call Crime Stoppers, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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