THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 15, 1995 TAG: 9512150497
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON FRANK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Police on Thursday released the latest composite drawing of a man suspected of committing more than 20 attacks on young girls in the East End of the city.
The computer generated sketch was completed Thursday afternoon when a witness to the latest attack came forward to assist police.
On Dec. 11, the 18-year-old witness helped foil an attack on a 14-year-old girl who was on her way to school in the 900 block of 25th St. At the time of the attack the suspect had a mustache and was wearing dark clothing and a dark hat.
Police say the witness saw the suspect with his arms around the girl, ran to the victim's aid and pushed the suspect away. The suspect fled the scene.
It was the same modus operandi used in almost two dozen attacks in the East End of the city since 1990.
The assaults have been on girls ranging in age from 8 to 17. Most have been grabbed going to and from school. None was raped, but some were fondled, police said.
The attacks have prompted an intense response from both the police and the community.
Patricia L. Mahaffy, spokeswoman for the Newport News Police Department, said bus stops are being patrolled and that police have further increased visibility through bike and foot patrols.
Crime Watch and citizen groups will be expanded to help patrol the bus stops and escort students who are walking alone, Mahaffy said.
Police suggest that students walk in groups and report all suspicious activity and people to police immediately. Students also should keep arms outside of their jackets and coats for mobility and protection. ILLUSTRATION: Drawing
Composite: Black male, late 20s, light skin, mustache and small scar
with 1/4-inch scab on right side of mouth
KEYWORDS: SEX CRIME CHILD MOLESTER by CNB