The San Antonio Police Department is putting out an alert in response to a string of assaults on women in north San Antonio.
“It’s scary to know someone is specifically out there targeting women,” said Jennifer Pena, who lives in the area where the crimes have happened.
It’s a frightening thought, but SAPD said in recent weeks five women were robbed, sexually assaulted, or a combination of the two. Police said the suspect or suspects used a gun.
“We put this out to make sure the public is aware that this is going on in that area,” SAPD chief William McManus said.
That area is north of 410, south of Huebner and right off Interstate 10. Detectives said one assault was east of I-10 and 4 of the attacks were west of I-10.
“The majority of them occurred on the street. One of them was in a vehicle, (and) one of them was where a woman was forced into her residence,” McManus said.
Police are now urging women to be vigilant and take all precautions to protect themselves. For some women. it’s scary news, but also a wake up call.
“It scares me because I don’t protect myself at all,” Veronica Napoli said.
“I’m very aware of my surroundings, but I’m probably going to end up getting mace,” Pena said.
Police said since there’s been such a wide variety of descriptions in each case, they can’t link the attacks to one suspect. The attacks have happened between 2 and 7 a.m.
McManus said several officers are working on the cases until an arrest is made. Increased patrols also will take place.
