In St. Johns and SE, 2 women groped in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland Police are investigating two separate cases of stranger-to-stranger sex abuse.

The first incident happened on Feb. 21 at 8:00 in the evening. A 25-year-old woman said she was walking her dog on Central St. near the St. Johns Community Center when a man grabbed her buttocks, then reached around and grabbed the front of her pants. She screamed and flailed her arms, pushing the man away. He ran through St. Johns City Park.

The suspect is described as a man with dark skin, 6’1″ and 170 pounds, wearing gray, clean clothes.

Moments before she was grabbed, the woman remembered seeing a small, silver car, either a Hyundai or a Honda, driving by her very slowly before turning onto a side street. It is unclear if that car is connected to the suspect.

The second attack happened 2 days later, about 10 miles away, on SE 36th Ave. and Clinton St.

This attack also happened at 8:00 at night. A 33-year-old woman was riding her bike eastbound on Clinton when she saw a man masturbating. When she rode by the man, he grabbed her buttocks.

She kept riding to get away from the man and he took off southbound on 36th.

This suspect is described as 5’10” with a medium build and short, dark hair. He is possibly of Middle Eastern descent.

Police aren’t sure if the two incidents are related or simply coincidence, but in both cases they are asking businesses and neighbors for any surveillance images.

Officers are also encouraging people who see this type of activity to call 911 immediately so police can search for the suspect.