A 15-year-old girl was groped Wednesday while walking in Chula Vista by an assailant who ran off before she could get a good description, said Bernard Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Chula Vista Police Department.
Police are investigating whether the assailant is responsible for seven other sexual attacks that have occurred during the past four months on Chula Vista streets.
"We're not saying it's a serial groper yet because we have different descriptions," Gonzalez said. "The person hits fasts. Victims don't have a lot of time to lay eyes on that person. We're hoping there might be witnesses."
He said all the attacks have happened along the city's Broadway corridor.
Gonzalez had only sketchy information about the latest incident, which happened about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Palomar Street near Broadway.
Gonzalez said he did not have details of the sexual attack.
"We feel the report is valid," he said.
He said the attacker was described as a light-skinned man possibly in his early 20s who wore a hooded sweatshirt.
On Friday, police reported two sexual attacks that happened within an hour of each other. The first incident happened about 10:15 a.m. in the 200 block of Quintard Street. A 24-year-old woman said a man grabbed her around the waist, grabbed her crotch and bit her in the buttocks before running away.
Forty minutes later on Fifth Avenue near G Street, a 21-year-old woman said a man grabbed her between the legs. She punched him before he ran off, police said.
There are various descriptions of the attacker ranging from a Hispanic male to a light-skinned black male, between the ages 18 to 35; 5 feet 5 to six feet tall, thin to medium build.
In most cases the assailant has worn a hooded sweatshirt.
[sidebar]What you can do
The Chula Vista Police Department would like to remind all residents of the following precautions:
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions from cell phones, I-Pods, etc.
Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
If you think you are being followed, walk toward an area that is well lit and well-populated.
Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance.
Never get too close to solicitors who are in cars.
If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don't be afraid to attract help any way you can; scream, yell, or run away to safety.
Be a good witness.
If you have been a victim or see suspicious activity, call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151. In an emergency call 911.
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