OPD looking for kidnapping, robbery, sexual assault suspect

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Oakland Police Department has released an updated suspect photo in a kidnapping, robbery and sexual assault that happened on Sunday in the Uptown Oakland neighborhood.

Police say a 23-year-old woman was approached Sunday at 1:30 a.m. at the 2300 block of Broadway by a man. The stranger approached the victim from behind with a handgun, forcing her to walk to a secluded location where the woman was robbed and sexually assaulted.

According to police, the suspect fled on foot.

Photos were released this week from surveillance footage and shows a man police describe as possibly Caucasian or Hispanic, in his 20s, tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, black bandana, black sweatshirt with a hood, dark pants and black shoes with red trim.

Police have canvassed the neighborhood in their investigation. “Often predators won’t just pick on victim, one time,” OPD spokesperson Johnna Watson said. “It’s a continuous pattern.”

Investigators say there may be a possible connection involving the same suspect to a sexual assault that occurred December 17th near Piedmont Avenue and Randwick Ave.

Chief Sean Whent spent Tuesday visiting businesses on Broadway and letting them know officers would have an increased presence in the area.

As a safety reminder, Watson reminds the public to be aware of your surroundings and not to be distracted by cell phones and electronic devices.

Police ask anyone who may be able to provide information to contact the OPD Special Victims Section at (510) 238-3641 or Crime Stoppers of Oakland at (510) 777-8572.