Residents asked to be alert in wake of sexual assaults

The Yuma Police Department has issued a warning to the public in connection with a string of sexual assaults and attempted assaults that show several similarities between them.

As a result, the YPD has released a list for people to follow during their daily routine.

The first assault occurred at approximately 7 a.m. Jan. 30 in the area of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street. The next one took place on Feb. 1 in the area of the 2300 block of South 3rd Avenue.

Then at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, an attempted sexual assault occurred in the area of the 2200 block of West 24th Street. A second attempted assault took place at 7 a.m. Feb. 20 in the area of the 1600 block of West 3rd Street.

Then at approximately 6:42 a.m. Tuesday, a third attempted sexual assault occurred in the area of 16th Place and Avenue A.

In every case, the females assaulted were walking alone during nighttime or the early morning hours and the suspect was a black male who either displayed a weapon or claimed to have one.

The suspect has been described as wearing dark clothing and standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall.

Police are urging residents to do the following during their daily routine: walk in groups or pairs; don't take shortcuts or walk through back streets where there are other people; stay in well-lit areas and avoid isolated areas or vacant lots and buildings; know your route; let someone else know where you are going and be aware of your surroundings.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 783-4421 or at 78-CRIME.