Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Police Department is investigating whether a string of crimes are connected.

Police say the crimes in question are five sexual assaults and two strong-armed robberies that occurred on the city’s northwest side during the last year. The most recent sexual assault took place late Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“During this particular incident, the suspect entered the victim’s residence and at a
later point and time, sexually assaulted her,” Rockford Police Media and Marketing Coordinator Michelle Marcomb said in a release.

Regarding the robberies, Marcomb said a suspect made mention of sexually assaulting his victim, however, the act itself was never carried out.

As of this report, detectives have no reason to believe any of the victims knew their assailant.

Police say they are looking for a lone suspect, a black man in his late teens or early 20s.

Police are reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or information to the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900. Anonymous tips may also be reported by called Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-967-7867.