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Man Believed To Be Targeting Accident Victims In Attempted Sexual Assaults

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — Detectives sought the public's help Thursday in the hunt for a man believed to have deliberately rear-ended two women in Riverside in order to rob and sexually assault them.

Officers responded to the first incident shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 23 along the 5700 block of Sycamore Canyon Boulevard for a report of an attempted sexual assault and armed robbery.

A preliminary investigation revealed the victim stopped at a gas station on University Avenue at the 215 Freeway. As she left the station, she noticed a vehicle began to follow her.

When she exited the freeway, the driver intentionally struck the back of her car, causing the victim to pull to the side of the off ramp.

The suspect then exited his vehicle, armed with a knife, and attempted to sexually assault the woman. He also stole property from the vehicle.

CBS2's Cristy Fajardo reports police say the same suspect is believed to have struck again around 4 am. Thursday on the 215 Freeway near University and Blaine, but the victim also fought hime off.

Detectives described the suspect as a Hispanic man believed to be between the ages of 30 and 35 years old who has ungroomed facial hair and a skinny build. He stands no taller than 5-foot-8, and was last seen wearing a dark color hooded sweatshirt.

The suspect was seen driving an older model, box-style SUV that is dark green. The passenger side has a broken window and appears to be covered with cardboard.

Authorities released a sketch of the suspect Wednesday in hopes that someone would recognize him.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of this suspect has been urged to contact the Riverside Police Department at (951) 353-7125.

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