PORTLAND, Maine — Portland police are investigating three attempted robberies that occurred over two days last week, Assistant Chief Vernon Malloch said Tuesday in a news release.
All three of the victims were women and each was allegedly attacked while walking in the city’s West End.
The first incident allegedly happened about 12:43 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, while two women were walking on Neal Street near Congress Street.
One of the women was knocked to the ground and dragged by a man who was attempting to steal her purse, Malloch said. The man had allegedly approached her from behind. The 24-year-old Portland woman suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.
The second robbery attempt occurred at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Malloch said. A 21-year-old Portland woman was walking on Congress Street near Weymouth Street when a man allegedly ran toward her from behind and attempted to steal a cellphone that she had just put in her pocket. She resisted and the man eventually fled on foot without taking anything, Malloch said.
At 10:45 p.m. Sunday, a 24-year-old woman walking on Vaughan Street near Brackett Street was allegedly assaulted by a man who jumped in front of her and tried to steal her purse. The woman resisted and the man fled on foot without taking anything, Malloch said.
In all three cases, the suspect was similarly described, Malloch said. He is believed to be white, in his early 20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, thinly built and without facial hair. He was said to be wearing dark clothing, possibly jeans and a gray hooded sweatshirt. In one incident, he also wore a red baseball cap, Malloch said.
“Robbery appears to be the motivation for these attacks,” Malloch said. “All of the victims resisted and were able to prevent the theft of their purses and phone. Because these crimes occurred in the same area and the suspect description is similar, we believe they may be connected.”
Malloch said police are urging the public to be aware of their surroundings and cautious of a man approaching from behind. Walking in well-traveled and lighted areas and in groups is safest, he said.
Anyone who has information about the alleged robber should call Portland police at 874-8539. Anonymous tips also can be left by texting “GOTCHA” plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES), via the Portland Police Department’s website at www.portland-police.com and clicking ” Submit an Anonymous Crime Tip,” or by calling the department’s Crime Tip Line at 874-8584.