GAINESVILLE, Fla – The Gainesville Police Department is looking for a man they say attempted to sexually assault a 21-year-old woman Saturday morning.
Investigators said the man followed the woman home, and proceeded to follow her into her home. Other people were already in the house and were able to chase the man out.
Paula Martinez, who lives nearby, said she sometimes walks around the neighborhood alone. She recalled the string of attempted rapes on and near the University of Florida campus and said that really scared her.
"After last year, I did purchase pepper spray," said Martinez. "It's a small thing but could make a big difference."
Other people in the area try to avoid walking alone altogether.
"We're taking an Uber to the game," said Alyssa Perez, a UF alumni that attended the season opening football game Saturday night. "You just have to be careful wherever you are."
The suspect is described as a black man, 20-30 years old, about 6 feet 4 inches tall and wearing dark clothing. The man was last seen heading northbound from the area from NW 3rd Avenue and NW 8th Steet.
GPD said it will increase patrols in an effort to identify and apprehend the attacker.
Anyone with information about the incident or who may know the man's identity is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department at 352-955-1818 or text keyword GPDFL plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP (7867).