Police searching for man accused of grabbing 7 women in Durham neighborhood

Police are asking the public to help their search for a person accused of inappropriately touching multiple women in recent weeks in Durham.

Since late March, six victims told police they've been touched inappropriately while walking in a residential area in the 2000 block of Copper Leaf Parkway. The victims said the suspect grabbed their backside while walking in a residential area. The person has targeted victims pushing strollers and walking dogs.

WRAL News spoke with a seventh woman, who hadn't gone to police because she thought it was just a one-time thing.

"I was surprised, because this is a pretty nice neighborhood," said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous. "I passed by him. Then, like a couple seconds later, he just came up and grabbed me."

The woman said she tried to run after him, but she could not keep up with him.

Previously, police said the same person was accused of assaulting three women on Wednesday, March 29. According to police, three women walking around Northern Durham Parkway and Prospect Parkway said a person riding a yellow bicycle inappropriately touched them and then left on the bike around 5 p.m.

Police added the attacks have continued to get more aggressive, which has residents in the neighborhood concerned.

"I was really shocked, actually," said Mary Sprague, who's lived in the area for over two years.

Sprague said she moved to the neighborhood specifically to avoid crime. Now, she and other neighbors are hoping the man is caught before another woman becomes a victim.

A surveillance photo provided by police appears to show a male in a printed black hoodie, black pants and sneakers. The person was seen on April 21 in the 2000 block of Copper Leaf Parkway wearing a hoodie with the sleeves cut off and bright orange neon-colored shoes.

Anyone who recognizes the person is asked to call Investigator M. Supernaw at 919-560-4440, ext. 29316, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.