RICHMOND, Va. – Police are investigating several South Richmond home break-ins and sexual assaults over the last two weeks where the suspect reportedly exposed himself or sexually assaulting female occupants.
Detectives say they believe six incidents, which occurred between August 29 and September 11, are connected.
All of the incidents took place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Ashley Park, Bramblewood Estates and St. Johns’s Wood neighborhoods off of Jahnke Road.
Detectives say the suspect in the case is entering homes through unlocked doors.
“The suspect in these incidents is knocking on windows and taking advantage of unlocked doors,” said Captain James Laino with the Major Crimes Division. “We urge residents to secure their homes by locking all doors and windows and report any suspicious persons or activity by calling 911.”
The first break-in and assault happened on August 29.
Officers responded to a report of a break-in and assault in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The victim stated she was awakened around 6:15 a.m. by an unknown black male inappropriately touching her. She screamed and when another resident entered the room the suspect fled.
Police said a similar break-in and assault was reported on September 2 in the 500 block of Harrow Road.
The victim reported waking up at approximately 2:15 a.m. to an unknown black male touching her inappropriately. Another resident came into the room and scared the suspect away.
Four days later on September 6, two incidents were reported in roughly an hour.
The first took place at about 6 a.m. in the 6900 block of Marlowe Road. The second happened around 7 a.m. in the 1400 block of Brownleaf Drive. Both victims reported hearing knocking at a bedroom window.
The victim on Marlowe Road turned on the outside light and saw an unknown black male, who ran away as the light came on. Police say they found signs of an attempt to force entry into the residence in a torn porch screen.
On Brownleaf Drive, the victim told police she saw an unknown male outside of her window exposing himself. He was last seen walking toward Whitesand Drive.
The fifth incident occurred on September 9 around 1 a.m. Officers were called to the 500 block of Rossmore Drive in reference to a break-in and indecent exposure. The victim advised that an unknown black male entered her apartment, exposed himself and then fled on foot.
On the morning of September 11, officers responded to the 1000 block of St. Ann’s Drive for a reported break-in and assault just before 5 a.m.
The victim stated an unknown black male entered the home, touched her inappropriately then fled through the back door of the residence.
In each case, the suspect has been described as a black man with a small but muscular build with short hair in twists or curls. At the time of the incidents, he was seen wearing all black or dark clothing. He may also be wearing a beanie or stocking-style hat.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at 804 646-6734 or Detective Greg Russell at (804) 646-7715. Citizens can also call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.
