SAN ANTONIO – The need for more leads after several rapes and attempted rapes in the Medical Center area has triggered another appeal by the San Antonio Police Department for more information from the public.
SAPD has not released the number of incidents that have occurred since last month, but Sgt. Doug Greene, a department spokesman, said investigators are looking at whether the attacks are connected. Greene said the suspect is not being called a serial rapist at this point.
The department's Facebook page pinpoints the area of concern as Huebner, Eckhert and Babcock roads.
The cases reported last month happened mainly at apartment complexes.
A surveillance video shows the man who police believe is the suspect, walking then trotting across an apartment complex parking lot.
Greene said some victims reported answering a knock on the door before they were attacked.
Chloe Power, community relations director for the Rape Crisis Center, said the women were overpowered by their attacker.
Power said she advises “making sure that if someone comes knocking on your apartment door, that you’re not opening it.”
Police describe the man in the surveillance video as having a thin build, 5 feet 8 inches or 5 feet 9 inches in height, weighing 140-160 pounds, with close cut hair, high cheekbones, dark brown eyes and a medium skin tone.
They said the suspect has been seen wearing a light hoodie and a dark hoodie, and a green or black bandana around his neck.
Power said she urges people to give any information they may have to police.
“We can all be part of finding a solution, putting this man behind bars so it doesn’t have to happen to anyone else,” Power said.
There is a $3,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. The Police Department asks the public to call the special victims unit at 210-207-2313, or Crime Stoppers at 210-225-STOP.
Power also urges women in the Medical Center area to pay close attention to their personal safety by not looking down at their smartphones to be more aware of their surroundings. Power also said whenever possible, have somebody with you for added protection.
