Alleged serial groper strikes again, twice in one night

The alleged serial groper struck again Thursday night and is accused of touching two women near Bulldog Lane and Millbrook Avenue.

Around 6:15 p.m., Fresno police said, a 40-year-old woman was sitting in her car on Bulldog Lane when the suspect open her car door and grabbed her breasts. Fresno police Officer Lt. Joe Gomez said the suspect head west on Bulldog Lane after the victim began to yell and fight back.

Gomez said he believes the man lives in the area because police helicopters were nearby when they received the call of the incident, but airborne officers could not spot him.

Around 10:40 p.m., police said, a 19-year-old woman was coming out of her Campus Edge apartment and headed towards her car when the suspect attacked her. She told police she thought the suspect was a resident but had kept an eye on him until she turned to face her vehicle. That’s when he rushed toward her and grabbed her buttocks, she told authorities. The woman believed the suspect was going to push her against the vehicle, so she went down to her knees and he then grabbed her breasts. The suspect ran off after the victim yelled, “Why are you doing this and who are you,” said Gomez.

Prior to these cases, six other incidents have happened near Barstow and Cedar Avenues since June 2016, allegedly by the same man.

Gomez said the suspect is black, medium built, about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, and has worn a dark hoodie with the hood laces pulled tight at every attack.

Officers said they are looking into sexual predators living in the area as suspects.

Police recommends people in the area be aware of their surroundings, walk with a friend and report the crime if attacked.

Gomez said the suspect usually runs after the victim fights back or yells.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fresno police at 559-621-7000.

This story was originally published December 2, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Alleged serial groper strikes again, twice in one night."