Latest Mall Assault Brings Surveillance Video, Leaves Shoppers Wary
The suspect assaulting women at the Millcreek Mall, made his fifth attack on Wednesday. For the first time, there's surveillance video of the suspect released on Thursday.
He's seen entering Michael's Arts and Crafts before he "indecently assaulted" his latest victim in the southwest annex of the mall complex.
"A young woman who was exiting one of the retail stores in that location was approaching her vehicle, attempting to enter her vehicle. Then she was accosted from behind and groped. She screamed, the suspect then fled on foot," said Lt. Mike Kabasinski of the Millcreek Police Department.
The latest incident from the mall attacker leaves shoppers on edge.
"It's scary. It's getting to the point where you're afraid to go anywhere with your families," said Claudia Burkel, an Erie resident.
But those at the mall on Thursday are hopeful the latest video will help identify and capture the suspect.
" If anyone knows who he is, I'm hoping people come forward," said Lacey Tanner, another Erie resident. "You come to the mall and you just want to go shopping or hang out with your friends, but you have to look over your shoulder and be scared all the time," she said.
The suspect has now attacked five women, all in broad daylight - groping them and sometimes saying lewd comments.
He is described as in his twenties, wears glasses, and is neatly dressed.
"This is very disturbing to us as law enforcement officers. It's very frustrating to us that we have not been able to apprehend him yet.," Kabasinski said.
While Millcreek police are working to identify the suspect, both law enforcement and self defense experts have advice for shoppers to stay safe.
"They should always have their guard up. As soon as he makes any type of move towards them, don't even let it get to the point where he touches them. Defend yourself immediately," said Hillary Weston, owner of King Cobra Karate in Millcreek.
According to police, the suspect always attacks when the victim is done shopping, and returning to the car.
Self defense experts say being aware of your surroundings is critical. But if still approached, to utilize the following steps:
"First you tell them to stay back, then you start screaming. And if he still continues, then you go launch your attack with your keys, with your mace, then with your attacks to the eyes, throat, and groin," said John Barton, former owner of King Cobra.
Police are calling for the community's help in identifying the suspect.
"Without citizen and community involvement, we're not going to solve something like this," Kabasinski said. "We've spent a lot of man hours investing these matters, we will continue to investigate it, and hopefully bring it to a resolve for everybody," he said.
Police ask anyone with information about the suspect to call 833-7777.
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