An unknown man has been hugging strangers on the streets of Bethesda, Maryland. Three women have reported the attacks near a high school and at Metro stations. In one case, the subject also intentionally pinched the victim’s breasts, according to a report she filed with police. Law enforcement personnel have emphasized the unwanted nature of the sexual advances.
The subject fled when the victims yelled for help after the possible sexual assaults. Law enforcement has released a description of the suspect. He did not speak to the women or attempt to take any of their belongings. The victims describe him as Caucasian or Asian. His age could range from 18 to 22, and his height could be between 5’6″ and 5’10” tall.
In this case, a man has been accused of randomly assaulting three women. The victims have given several different descriptions to law enforcement personnel and have not even positively identified his race. The man’s weight has not been stated. Law enforcement now has the responsibility of investigating numerous men fitting an extremely broad description. They could mistakenly arrest the wrong person.
If someone is arrested based on a general description, an effective defense attorney can question the identity of the attacker. In addition, if the arrest occurs after a period of time has elapsed, the suspect’s identity may be in even greater question. Should a suspect be questioned or arrested in this case, the advice and counsel of a defense attorney would likely prove to be useful.
Source: The Washington Post, “Man assaults women in Bethesda with unwelcome hugs: police,” Michael Laris, Aug.10, 2012