Police are investigating two concerning incidents that occurred an hour apart last night and within a few blocks of each other in Portland’s West End neighborhood.  Both involved a male with a similar description and operating a similarly described car.

On Sunday, October 25, just after 7:00 pm, police were called to the area of 32 Thomas Street for the report of a woman being assaulted.  An area resident called 911 to report hearing someone screaming and calling for help.  Responding officers found a 34 year old Portland woman who had been attacked and was suffering from injuries to her face.  The woman told us that she had been walking on Thomas Street near Carroll Street when she noticed a vehicle following her.

The operator opened a passenger side window and asked for directions and then offered  her a ride.  When she refused, he got out of his car, walked up to her and punched her in the face several times knocking her to the ground.  Witnesses said it looked like he was trying to drag her to his car.  He got back into his vehicle and drove away on Carroll Street toward Vaughan Street. The victim suffered minor facial injuries and was treated at the scene by Portland Fire & EMS.

The suspect is described as a black man in his 30s wearing a dark colored knit cap.  He was driving a light colored order model Toyota sedan.  The victim said he opposed intoxicated and spoke with an accent.

A short time later, just after 8:00 pm., police received a second 901 call from a 37-year old female that reported as she was walking on Brackett Street toward Spring Street, she noticed a vehicle following her.  She told officers that the male driver called out to her from an open window to try and get her attention.  When she ignored him ad took out her cellphone to make a call, he made a U-turn and then drove back toward Maine Medical Center.

She described the driver as a black male approximately 30 to 40 years old and possibly bald.  He was driving a gray or silver Toyota Camry with a Texas paper registration plate.

We would like to remind people to always be aware of your surroundings, stay in well lit areas and try to walk in groups, when possible.