People Who Work Near Assaults Are Being Extra Cautious

DENVER (CBS4)- People working near where two women were attacked in recent days said they are taking extra precautions to stay safe.

A composite sketch of the assault suspect hangs in the storefront of Pets on Broadway. Employees who work there want it to be the first thing customers see when they walk through the door.

They'll all spooked by the attack that happened just outside.

"It hits too close to home. It's scary," said Pets on Braodway Veterinarian Dr. Sheryl Scolnick. "Nobody goes out after dark. Everybody is in twos. We have cameras on either side."

At El Olvido, also on S. Broadway, the general manager is planning to warn all his female employees to be careful.

"It is a concern. It raises some flags. I'll definitely be on the lookout a little bit more," said El Olvido Mexican Restaurant General Manager George Pingarron.

The first attack happened just after 1:15 a.m. Sunday in the 2200 block of S. Broadway.

"She was approached from behind. The victim described a sharp sting which she believed came from a stun gun. The suspect grabbed the victim around the neck and attempted to drag her to an alley," Jackson said in a statement. "The victim was able to fight off the attack and call for help. The suspect fled in an unknown direction."

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or white man in his 20s, 5-foot-10 with a black shirt and pants, and a black goatee.

Boyd Fox heard the woman's screams.

"I heard her blood-curdling scream. That's when I started running in this direction," said Boyd. "That scream I'll never forget."

In the other incident, Jackson said between the times of 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday a woman was walking near North Lincoln Street and East 11th Avenue when she was approached by a male walking in the opposite direction.

"As the male approached her, he raised his hands and began choking the victim. The victim fell to the ground, was able to reach her pepper spray, and sprayed the suspect," Jackson said.

The victim was able to escape.

The suspect is described as a white man, 5-foot-9, approximately 200 pounds with a long black beard.

Denver police say it is possible the same suspect is responsible for both attacks.

Anyone with information is asked to call Denver police at (720) 913-2000. Remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). Text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter the message or send an email to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com.

Below is a list of safety tips while walking:

– Be aware of your surroundings.

– Walk only on busy, well-lighted streets, even if it makes the trip a little longer.

– Avoid shortcuts through parking lots, alleys or parks.

– If you feel you are being followed, cross the street or begin walking in a different direction. Walk toward lighted, more populated areas.

–If a vehicle is following you, turn and run in the opposite direction. The driver will have to turn around before continuing to follow you, buying you time to make it to safety.