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Photo by: Composite provided by the Denver Police Department

The Denver Police Department (DPD) released a composite sketch of the man who has allegedly sexually assaulted four female students near the DU campus in four separate attacks since late August.

“Hopefully if someone recognizes the individual then they will turn them in,” said Sonny Jackson, a spokesman for DPD.

The suspect in all four incidents is described similarly as being a white or Hispanic male with a thin-to-medium build, 5-feet-7-9 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds and anywhere from 19-29 years old. The suspect was also reportedly wearing a hooded sweatshirt in at least two of the attacks, including the most recent one.

The most recent incident, which occurred on Nov. 17 at approximately 9:15 p.m., involved a female student who was walking southbound on the 2000 block of South High Street. An unknown male grabbed her from behind and groped her buttocks. After the victim yelled at the suspect, the man turned and fled the scene toward the intersection of East Asbury Avenue and South High Street, according to a police report and a crime alert released to both the DU community and by DPD.

According to Jackson, DPD is actively pursuing the investigation.

“We take all the evidence, and we look at that,” he said. “If someone sees him and thinks he looks like someone they know then hopefully they will let us know.”

The attack on Nov. 17 was the fourth one that occurred since just before the fall quarter began. The first attack, which occurred on Aug. 27, involved a female student walking home with a friend when a man came up behind them and groped her buttocks. The suspect in the three subsequent attacks, one that occurred on Sept. 26, another on Oct. 27, and the most recent on Nov. 17, also grabbed students and fondled their buttocks.

“We are always concerned it will escalate,” Jackson said. “That’s why we take every case very seriously. We have to do our due diligence to find this individual and get him into custody.”

Jackson also said tips from the composite are essential in catching the suspect.

“We look at the merit of tips, the details. Every tip is important,” he said.

Jackson said DPD is doing everything they can to locate the individual and he stresses the importance of being aware and letting friends and family know when you’re supposed to be home or where you are.

“Let people know what you’re doing,” he said. “Make those phone calls. Looking out for each other makes a huge difference.”

Anyone with information about the suspect is encouraged to call DPD Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or the DU Anonymous Tip-Line at 303-871-3130.

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