Serial Attacker in Springfield Area

Woman Assaulted While Walking Home

On Monday, January 28 at 8 p.m., officers responded to the 7300 block of Allan Avenue in Falls Church for a woman who was assaulted. The 63-year-old Falls Church-area woman was walking home from a bus stop when she was attacked. The suspect grabbed her from behind and dragged into a dark area. The attacker fled when a passing vehicle drove by. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as a man of unknown race about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 150 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark ski mask.

This is the sixth similar incident in Fairfax County and makes 11 total incidents including the City of Alexandria. Investigators from Fairfax County and Alexandria City have been working closely on these cases.

In all these cases the suspects have been wearing dark clothing and ski mask. They have ranged in height from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 tall of unknown race. They have attacked from behind and assaulted their victim. The victims have been white, Hispanic, black and Asian. They have ranged in age from 18 to 63 years old. The similarities among the victims have been walking alone in hours of darkness.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

------------------------------------------

This string of attacks heightens the need to be able to defend yourself. According to the police, he has often stopped his attack when the woman screams or defends herself. The SAFE Classes are filling up quickly as the knowledge of this attacker spreads. If you have not done so already, PLEASE sign up as soon as possible for the next available SAFE class.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/safe_selfdefense.htm
(Google key words: SAFE Fairfax County)