Police warn of suspicious-male incidents

The Duluth Police Department is investigating two recent incidents where an unknown male came up to females and grabbed them.

On Jan. 30 at 12:59 p.m., Duluth police were called to Marshall School on the report that 20 minutes earlier a teenage female was approached by an unknown male at the rear of the building. The male grabbed the female but she was able to break free and ran back into the building. The male was described as a white male, 6 feet tall and 40 to 50 years old with a long gray beard. He was wearing a dark-colored knee-length coat, black winter cap and ragged blue jeans.

Responding officers searched the area but were unable to locate the perp.

The second incident happened at 10:39 p.m. Feb. 7 in the area of 19th Avenue East and Fourth Street. Two female college students reported that they were walking when an unknown male approached them and grabbed onto one of them by the jacket. The male ran off when one of the females screamed. The male suspect was described as a white male wearing all black and a ski mask. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.

In both incidents, the victims were not assaulted or robbed, no weapons were seen and no threats were made. In both incidents, the male suspect did not say anything.

Both incidents are currently under investigation by the Duluth Police Department. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call 730-5050.

Police want to remind citizens of some personal safety practices: you are safest in bright, well lit and busy areas; be aware of your surroundings; never take short cuts at night — stick to well-lit main routes; stay with friends whenever possible and don’t walk home alone; try to look and act confidently/look like you know where you are going and walk tall; carry a cell phone; wear bright clothing; carry minimal valuables and don’t show them off; if someone tries to take something from you, it is better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury; do not listen to a personal stereo when out walking or jogging, as you need to stay alert to your surroundings; and don’t walk and talk on the phone or text, as you’re likely to be distracted. Finally, if you think you are being followed, cross over the road. If you are followed, cross back again. If you are still concerned, go to the nearest public place, business or house with lights on and call 911.

~Duluth Police Department press release

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