Authorities say both attacks happened while the women were walking toward Manhattan on the Washington Bridge. The span of the bridge that connects the Bronx to Washington Heights has a path for pedestrians on both sides and that is where police say the assaults took place.
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The first incident was reported Feb. 20 just after midnight. The 26-year-old victim was approached by the suspect who showed a knife and demanded money before placing his hand inside her pants, police said. The suspect ran away westbound on 181st Street.
In the second incident, the 20-year-old victim was walking on the bridge after 1 a.m. on Aug. 25 when she was approached by the suspect.
Police say he simulated a weapon by his waistband, demanded money and went through her bag before he raped her on the ground. Authorities said he ran away northbound on University Avenue.
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Both victims were treated at local hospitals and released.
The suspect is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 1 inch tall with a ponytail. He was last seen wearing a dark grey shirt, dark pants, dark sneakers and a baseball cap.
Some women who walk the same bridge on a daily basis said they were horrified to learn of the attacks and will re-think their travel plans.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
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