Berkeley PD release surveillance video of possible suspect in 3 sexual assaults

BERKELEY, Calif. (KTVU) - Berkeley Police Department has released a slow-motion video of a possible suspect in connection to three sexual assaults that happened near People's Park and UC Berkeley's campus in the past week. 

The suspect was last seen running west on Haste Street. Police say the suspect is described by victims as an African-American male or East-Indian male, in his early 20s, 5’9”-6’ feet tall, with dark curly hair or dreadlocks pulled back. He was seen wearing a dark colored jacket and pants, with a hooded sweatshirt. 

The first reported assault was February 11th on Haste Street around 9 p.m. The second was reported February 16th around 11 p.m. near the intersection of Durant Avenue and Ellsworth Street. About 20 minutes later, a third assault was reported at the nearby 2500 block of Benvenue Street. In the last incident, police said a woman was chased by the suspect through a UC Berkeley parking lot.

Police say the suspect is targeting college-age Asian women. 

Detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect. 

If you have any information regarding these assaults, please call the BPD Special Victims Unit at 510-981-5735. For any crimes in progress, call 911.  If a caller wishes to remain anonymous they can call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

Police also offered these safety tips:

·        Be alert to you surroundings and people around you.
·        Whenever feasible, walk, jog or travel with a friend.
·        Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
·        Do not talk on cell phones or listen to devices when alone, as they limit awareness.
·        Be aware of locations and situations, which make you more vulnerable to crime such as alleys, doorways, parking lots and stairwells.
·        Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
·        Call Berkeley PD at 981-5900 to report suspicious persons or activity.

You can watch the surveillance video here or below