GALVESTON, Texas – Galveston police were looking for a man who they believe attacked two women out jogging on Monday morning.
The first incident happened in the 4700 block of Seawall Boulevard just before 6 a.m.
"It was a Hispanic male, tall and thin wearing a black T-shirt," said Galveston Police Lt. Michael Gray. "He had come up behind her and attacked her. She said he tried to pull her shorts off."
The woman was able to get away. Police believe the attacker then went and found his next victim. The second attack happened near 51st and Avenue N 1/2 about 30 minutes later.
The woman fought off the man with a metal pipe she happened to be carrying with her.
"Right now, we're not ruling anything out," Gray said. "The time frame and the description seem to match, so it's a strong possibility that it's the same person."
Both of the women did sustain some injuries, but Gray did not believe they needed to be hospitalized.
"For women out there jogging, just remember, it's a mind-set," he said. "You're not going to be taken, that they're not going to win and that you're going to get away."
Investigators said it's best to run without earphones so you can hear if someone is coming up behind you and to always carry a cellphone.
It's advice Ariane Farley is taking seriously. She's a runner who is now going to be even more cautious when out along the Seawall.
"Just since you told me right now I'm on... I won't say on edge... but I will be watching closely," Farley said. "And will probably turn my music down a lot lower."
Police said the attacker was seen driving away in a white Mitsubishi Gallant with LED lights on the mirrors.
If you have any information, call the Galveston Police Department at 409-765-3702.