Police: Springfield Fondling Cases May Be Linked

After a 17-year-old girl was grabbed from behind and fondled Thursday in Springfield, Fairfax County Police believe the case may be linked to two similar incidents. In each of these the suspect wore a plain, red baseball cap.

Each of the three incidents have occurred on a weekday during daylight hours.

Thursday's incident took place around 9 a.m. in the 5900 block of Erving Street. The teenager was walking on the sidewalk when the assault occurred. 

The teenager described the suspect as either Asian or Hispanic, mid 30s, around 5 feet 8 inches tall with a black, close-cut beard. He wore a blue T-shirt, black cotton sweatpants with a white stripe on each side and a red baseball cap.

The other incidents that may be linked are:

• On Sept. 18, a Tuesday, a 16-year-old student was walking on a path in the 6700 block of Metropolitan Center Drive in Springfield. At around 2:45 p.m. when she was grabbed by the suspect, who fondled her and ran away. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male with a thin, black goatee or beard. He wore a red baseball cap, blue jeans, and a white T-shirt.
• On Sept. 7, a Friday, a 26-year-old woman was walking in the area of Old Keene Mill Road and Springfield Boulevard around 8:30 a.m. when she heard a whistle. When she reached the 7200 block of Monticello Boulevard a man grabbed her from behind and fondled her. The man fled. She described the suspect as Hispanic, and around 5 feet 6 inches tall. He wore a red baseball cap.

None of the victims required medical attention. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail atwww.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.