Police Link 2 Attempted Sex Assaults

Descriptions, Methods Are Thought to Point to Same Attacker

Two violent attacks in about 15 hours Tuesday have Prince William County police looking for a suspect they think tried to sexually assault two women in the Manassas area.

Police have released two similar sketches depicting a young black male with a short Afro haircut and no facial hair. Although the victims differed on the suspect's height -- one said he was 6-foot-2 to 6-4, and the other said he was roughly 5-8 -- police think the women described the same person.

The similarity of the sketches and the methods used in the attacks have led police to look for one man in connection with both attacks, authorities said.

The first happened about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 10900 block of Coverstone Drive in Manassas as the victim walked a path between a nearby shopping center and an apartment complex.

Police said a man grabbed the victim, punched her and tried to sexually assault her. Police said the man was wearing eyeglasses with a brown tint, dark pants and a white shirt with blue and red stripes on the front. The victim was treated at a hospital for injuries.

A second woman reported being attacked about 9 p.m. Tuesday a few blocks away, in the 7500 block of Clemson Court. Police said a woman was sitting in her car when a man opened her door, punched her in the face and tried to drag her out of the car. The victim fought back and was able to escape. She described the man as wearing a black T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

Prince William police urge anyone with information about the incidents to call Crime Solvers at 703-670-3700 or 866-411-TIPS (8477), where callers can leave information anonymously.