Madison police seek information in downtown sexual assaults

Two separate downtown sexual assaults involving members of the UW–Madison community were reported to the Madison Police Department during the weekend of Oct. 11-12.

The first incident took place at 9:24 p.m. on Oct. 11 near East Johnson and Pinckney streets. The victim says the perpetrator pulled her from the sidewalk to a more secluded area, where he tried to sexually assault her. The victim was able to get away, and believes she saw the perpetrator running westbound on Johnson Street.

The suspect is described as a male, African American, 25-35 years old, with short black hair, slender build, an earring in one ear, and wearing a dark colored T-shirt and jeans.

The second incident took place at 2:10 a.m. on Oct. 12 in the 400 block of North Henry Street. The victim was walking home when she was confronted by the suspect in a dark alleyway. The suspect assaulted her and fled. The suspect in the second incident is described a male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a medium build and wearing a black hoodie.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

Anyone with information on any of these crimes is urged to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.