Police believe one man is responsible for crimes

Wednesday, June 21, 2000 | 11:09 a.m.

Several robberies and sexual assaults in the downtown area have been connected by Metro Police detectives.

All nine of the crimes involve a man who forces his way into a residence and uses a weapon to control the victim, Sgt. Dave Cavalieri said.

In all of the cases the suspect robs the victim of money and jewelry. In five cases the victim has also been sexually assaulted, Cavalieri said.

The crimes have occurred in the areas of Charleston Boulevard and 28th Street, Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza Road, Olive Street and Atlantic Street, Bruce Street and Charleston and Maryland Parkway and Bonanza.

The suspect is described as black, 18 to 30 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing between 160 and 200 pounds, with short black hair. He has been seen wearing casual clothing with dark pants and white tennis shoes, and in several of the crimes he has concealed his face.

Because of the ongoing investigation Cavalieri would not say how the suspect covers his face, or what type of weapon he uses. He did say that the weapon is the same in every robbery and that the suspect always relies on force to get inside the residences.

Anyone with information on these crimes or the suspect is asked to call detectives at 229-3421 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.