At least six women have been attacked in Hyde Park since April 7. According to a press conference held Friday afternoon at the Austin Police Department, a white or Hispanic man in his 20s or early 30s has been targeting women walking or jogging through the Central Austin neighborhood.
Officer Destiny Winston said the assailant is “grabbing and groping” women’s buttocks. The official charge, “Assault by Contact – Sexual Nature,” is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. However, Winston noted crimes of this nature can escalate to other charges.
The most recent report was made Thursday, May 4, and occurred on the 4900 block of Duval Street. Though this attack happened just before 3:30pm, incidents which took place on other days occurred after sunset. One was reported to have occurred at 7am. The reported incidents have taken place throughout the neighborhood: Avenue C, 43rd and 45th streets, Woodrow Avenue, and two on Duval Street.
When asked about a photo of the alleged assailant that has been circulating on social media, Winston said detectives have no way of corroborating the picture, and that the man in the photo does not fit the description given by the victims. The assailant has been seen wearing a dark T-shirt, basketball shorts, and black shoes.
Winston asked anyone with additional information to contact APD, and reminded the community to remain vigilant. “Be aware of your surroundings,” she said, and avoid running or walking alone at night if possible. She told those who do choose to walk alone to “make sure someone knows the route you’re taking” and expected arrival time. If attacked, “yell, scream, draw attention to yourself,” she said. “Do whatever you need to do to get away from that person.”
Those with information to report should call 512/974-5095.
This article appears in May 5 • 2017.