Third South Austin attack in five weeks

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A woman told police she was sexually assaulted by a man who asked for directions. It is the third stranger attack in five weeks.

August 14: Sexual Assault at Odom Elementary

July 28: Attack near E. Stassney/Pleasant Valley Rd.

Austin police say the latest one happened Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of Clawson Road, near Ben White Boulevard.

She was walking when the suspect grabbed her and pulled her onto private property, according to police. There are several pathways that wind through the woods pedestrians use along the road.

"It seems to us he's familiar with the area -- was familiar with using those pathways, saw her and then pulled her into a vacant lot where she couldn't be seen or heard from anyone passing by," said Lt. Michael Eveleth with APD's Violent Crimes Unit.

Police say the man sexually assaulted the victim and ran away.

The suspect is described as:  (see attached police artist sketch)

• Black man
• Estimated to be in his 30’s
• 5 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall
• Thin build
• Weighing 160 pounds
• Wearing a yellow Hawaiian style shirt, unbuttoned with a white tank top
• brown short pants
• Wearing a type of skullcap with a baseball hat over it
• large-lensed sunglasses
• brown-and-white loafer style shoes

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text to "Tip 103" plus your message to CRIMES anonymously 24 hours per day.

Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if a tip leads to an arrest or charges being filed.

Anyone with information about this case can also call the Sex Crimes Unit at 512-974-5230.