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MPD: 2 women attacked in ‘possibly related’ incidents, suspect sought
Milwaukee police are looking for a man wanted in connection with separate attacks on two women in Milwaukee. The attacks are believed to be related, police said.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police on Wednesday, Aug. 19 asked for help locating a man wanted in connection with separate attacks on two women in Milwaukee on the east side and in Riverwest two hours apart -- believed to be related.
The first attack, an attempted sexual assault, happened in the area of Bremen Street and Wright Street around 12:40 a.m.
Police said a 37-year-old woman was approached by an armed man who demanded she remove her clothing. She was able to escape and call the police.
MPD described the man as Black, approximately 28 years old, standing 6' tall, with a medium brown complexion and hair in cornrows going toward the back of his head. He was wearing a black face mask with possible decorations and a gray T-shirt that could have other colors. He was armed with a silver handgun.
Milwaukee police believe this attack is related to another that occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the area of North Avenue and Oakland Avenue.
Police said the victim was walking when a man approached her and began talking to her. He then grabbed the victim, pushing her to the ground. The victim was able to fight him off and he fled northbound on Oakland Avenue.
MPD described him as Black with a medium build, standing 5'10" to 6'tall, weighing 175 to 180 pounds with his hair in cornrows on top of his head, and short hair on the sides.
He was last seen wearing a red and gray long-sleeved shirt, possibly light gray sweatpants and a black cloth face mask.
Anyone with information was asked to please contact MPD.
What you can do if you're attacked
Less than 24 hours after the attacks, self-defense instructor Skye Middleton went over some basics.
Middleton is a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and said the women did exactly what they needed to do to survive.
"She did the best she could, with the knowledge she had, and no one should say otherwise," Middleton said.
Defending oneself, Middleton said, does not necessarily mean hitting the gym.
"Just because you're smaller doesn't mean you can't use leverage, doesn't mean you can't have good timing, and the right technique," said Middleton. "We just want to de-escalate, do the right move at the right time, or the right technique at the right time...the right leverage and we get out. That's the goal."
Causing a commotion, being aware of your surroundings and doing what you can to get away from an attacker are a few ways to get out of danger.
Self-defense classes are available at Middleton's gym -- CLICK HERE for more information.