Be alert, and help police nab suspect

Crime alert with composite sketch of suspect.
Crime alert with composite sketch of suspect.
A composite sketch of the suspect was released Aug. 6. Click on the photo to view the updated crime alert released Aug. 9.

The NAU Police Department is joining in the search for a subject suspected of committing multiple sexual assaults in the city of Flagstaff.

The suspect is described as a Native American male 20-30 years old, between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 200-220 pounds with shoulder length black hair worn in a ponytail.

A crime alert was issued Tuesday when DNA evidence connected a sexual assault that occurred Jan. 18 with a second assault July 21. The Flagstaff Police Department announced Aug. 8 that a third sexual assault by a male subject fitting a similar description occurred that morning. NAUPD has joined the Flagstaff Police Department with canvassing, patrolling and to provide investigative support.

Each victim was contacted by the assailant while walking alone near downtown Flagstaff between the hours of 1 and 3 a.m. Two of the victims were contacted entering a less populated area after leaving a downtown bar alone near closing time.

While none of the incidents occurred on the university campus, NAUPD is advising students to be aware of their surroundings, avoid isolated, wooded or unlit areas, travel in groups and not to accept rides from strangers or individuals in unmarked vehicles offering taxi service.

NAUPD offers a safety escort service on campus between sunset and sunrise. Additional safety tips are available on the department’s website.

Individuals with information on any of the cases or the suspect are urged to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414 or Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.