News Releases

Female Walker Approached/Assaulted in Bethesda - Police Believe Two Previous Events May Be Related

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 10, 2012

The Montgomery County Police Department-Bethesda Investigative Section is investigating three incidents during which a male suspect approached a woman from behind while she was walking and hugged her.  During the third incident, which was reported last night and occurred on August 8, 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 these incidents may be related and have been committed by the same suspect.   Following is a summary of the three incidents:

On June 5 at approximately 10:20 p.m., a 47-year-old female 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.  The victim screamed and the suspect ran down the street.  The victim 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 female was walking from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro near Tuckerman Lane and Grosvenor Place in Bethesda.  The suspect approached the victim 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 female was walking on Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda and after passing Grosvenor Place heard the suspect run up behind her.  The suspect wrapped his hands around her and used his hands to inappropriately touch 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.

Detectives of the Bethesda Investigative Section are asking that anyone who might have had a similar experience to please call the Bethesda Investigative Section at 301-657-0112.  Detectives are also asking that if anyone has information about these incidents or the suspect involved to please call detectives at 301-657-0112.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or 240-773-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online.  Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.  Anonymous tips can also be provided by typing “MCPD” plus the tip on a cell phone or PDA and texting it to 274637 (CRIMES).

The police department 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.

# # #

Release ID: 12-175
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases