BETHESDA, Md. (WUSA) - For the third time in three months, a woman walking in the Bethesda area was approached from behind by a man who placed his arms around her body, police report.
The Montgomery County Police Department-Bethesda Investigative Section is investigating all three incidents, the most recent of which took place on August 8.
In each incident, the male suspect approached a woman from behind while she was walking and hugged her. During the third incident, the male hugged the victim and then inappropriately touched the woman.
The suspect has not spoken in these incidents nor attempted to take any property. At this time, detectives believe the three incidents are related and have been committed by the same suspect.
On June 5 at approximately 10:20 p.m., a 47-year-old woman was walking in a neighborhood in the area of Landon Lane and Geranium Street in Bethesda. The suspect came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her body. She screamed and the suspect ran away. The woman was listening to music with headphones and did not hear the suspect approach.
On July 10 at approximately 11:00 p.m, a 27-year-old woman was walking from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro near Tuckerman Lane and Grosvenor Place in Bethesda. The suspect approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her body. The victim screamed and ran away from the suspect. The victim had headphones in her ears at the time of the incident.
On August 8 at approximately 11:25 p.m., a 46-year-old woman was walking on Tuckerman Lane, and after passing Grosvenor Place heard the suspect run up behind her. The suspect wrapped his hands around her and inappropriately touched her. The victim screamed and the suspect ran away.
The suspect in these incidents is described as a white or possibly Asian male, age 18 to 22, approximately 5'06? to 5'10?, with a thin build and dark hair. Two of these victims described the suspect as wearing a t-shirt and athletic shorts.
Police are asking anyone who might have had a similar experience, or who have information about these incidents or the suspect to please call the Bethesda Investigative Section at 301-657-0112.
The police department also wants to remind residents of the following safety tips to ensure safety while walking or jogging:
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid using earphones and becoming distracted by electronic devices.
• Carry a cell phone. If you see someone who appears to be acting suspiciously or is making you feel uncomfortable, call police.
• Change your routine if possible. Pick different times to jog and choose different routes to walk to your destination.
• The days are getting shorter. Try to adjust your routine so that more of your activities can be completed in daylight.