Mail Tribune News - Attacker spurs more police patrols

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Attacker spurs more police patrols Ashland police are expanding their nighttime patrols following attacks on three women in just two weeks. Capt. Lisa Brooks said police began sending a decoy and plainclothes detectives on sporadic patrols in town after two women were attacked by the same man on Friday. The fact that the attacker hasn't established a pattern of activity makes regular nighttime rounds difficult, Brooks said. "But we are working on it and we have more people out," she added. "We are stepping up that kind of activity." At 12:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, police believe the same man groped two Ashland women, one a Southern Oregon University student. Both were walking alone when they were knocked to the ground from behind. The first victim was robbed of $20 and police said the assailant likely carried a knife in both cases. The attacks followed the Nov. 3 rape of another Ashland woman. Police have charged a Talent man in that case. Friday's assailant, who wore a ski mask during the first attack, may have bite marks on one of his arms from a struggle with his second victim. He is described as a white male, about 5-feet, 10-inches tall with a medium build. He may also wear a moustache. Ashland police request anyone with information about the case to call 482-5211 or the TIPS hot line at 552-2125. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA