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3rd attack is reported in Ashland Assailant likely to be same man in latest incidents By Jessica Smith of the Mail Tribune ASHLAND -- A 23-year-old woman fought off an attacker Friday night, less than 24 hours after another woman was groped and robbed, and police say they believe a "serial attacker" committed both crimes. Police are urging residents to use the "buddy system" when walking in Ashland. "I can't stress that enough," Sgt. Rich Walsh told reporters Saturday afternoon at the Ashland Police Department. "We're very concerned that this is going to happen again." About 10 p.m. Friday, a man attacked an Ashland woman from behind and knocked her to the ground as she walked alone on Manzanita Street near Scenic Drive. Police said the woman fought off her attacker and ran to a convenience store on North Main Street to call for help. Early Friday morning, a Southern Oregon University student was groped and robbed by a masked man wielding a knife as she walked on Indiana Street near Siskiyou Boulevard. "We believe (the attacker) is the same person based on the method of operation and the general description," Capt. Mike DeCapua said. "We do consider this a serial attacker." Police said the robber carried a knife and wore a ski mask during the first attack. It's believed he also carried a knife in the second case and police say the victim reported that her attacker had a mustache. Anyone with information about either case is asked to call the police at 482-5211 or the tips hotline at 552-2125. "We definitely need the public's assistance on this ... if anyone heard something or saw something," DeCapua said. Although police have received tips on the attacker, they had no suspects Saturday. The attack Friday night was the third in two weeks in Ashland. "That's extremely uncommon for Ashland," Walsh said. "Ashland is generally a very safe place to live." On Nov. 3, a 22-year-old woman was raped near the Ashland Library on Gresham Street as she walked home from work. James Jeffrey Neill, 47, of Talent is being held in the Jackson County Jail on a rape charge in that case. Police also are investigating whether Neill was involved in two 1997 cases, a rape and an assault. DeCapua said residents are encouraged to walk with partners in well-lighted areas and carry a whistle or other device to call attention to themselves if they are attacked. Walsh said late-night joggers and walkers should also consider moving their workouts to the daytime. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA