An unidentified suspect has been breaking into the off-campus residences of females and touching them while they sleep, the Harrisonburg Police Department reported Friday.

Since May 2004, five different reports were filed by females living off campus. The females said they were accosted by an unknown individual who entered through unlocked doors. Once inside, the suspect lays beside the female, often referring to the victim as "Jen" or "Rebecca," according to the HPD.

When the female wakes and discovers the individual, he becomes very apologetic and acts distressed, claiming that he is in the wrong apartment.

Victims described the suspect as a black male, 20 to 30 years of age, 5-feet-8-inches tall, about 155 pounds with a shaved head and usually dressed in casual clothes. The suspect has affected a "British" or "Jamaican" accent on three occasions, according to HPD.

"Obviously, we are working closely with the city police on this," said Fred Hilton, JMU director of media relations. Hilton said that, while no on-campus incidents have occurred, all students should be cautious.

"Incidents like this call for common sense precautions — lock your doors, things like that," Hilton said.

As of yesterday, neither Hilton nor the HPD could provide the addresses of the incidents or determine if any victims were students.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or other related incidents should contact the HPD at 434-2545.
— compiled from staff reports