DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

Gerald R. Whitman, Chief of Police

The mission of the Denver Police Department is to deliver high quality public

safety services so all people may share a safe and healthy environment.

For Immediate Release

Date:         September 3, 2009

To:            All Denver Police Officers, Media, Denver City Council, and Denver Community Associations.

Contact:   Sonny Jackson

Address:  Office of the Chief

                  1331 Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80204

Phone:     720-913-6534

The Denver Police Department has been addressing a pattern of assaults and robberies occurring in Central Denver (West of Downing to the Platte River and North of 13^th Ave to 30^th Ave).  A total of fourteen (14) assaults and robberies have been reported between July 20, 2009 and August 30, 2009. The majority of these crimes have occurred between 10:00 PM and 2:30 AM.  Detectives are exploring the possibility that some of these crimes may related.  In each of the cases a lone male victim was walking in the area when attacked by multiple suspects. The suspects are generally described as black males and black females, ages ranging from mid-teens to mid-twenties, unknown clothing or further physical description.

Detectives believe there may be four other unreported assaults which occurred at the following locations:

1500 Block Broadway on 08-07-2009, approximately 10:40 PM

16^th and Champa Street on 08-23-2009, approximately 2:00 AM (2 assaults)

20^th and Blake Street on 08-30-2009, approximately 12:30 AM

Victims of these unreported crimes are encouraged to contact the Denver Police Department at (720) 913-6050.

Anyone with information related to assaults in the area are requested to contact the Denver Police Department through our non-emergency number 720-913-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).

Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surrounding.
• Walk only on busy, well-lighted streets, even if it makes the trip a little longer.
• Avoid short cuts such as parking lots, alleys, or parks.
• Don't accept rides with strangers or distant acquaintances.
• If someone in a vehicle asks for directions, keep back far enough where you can't be grabbed.
• If you feel you are being followed, cross the street or go the other way. Walk toward lights and people.
• If you are being followed by a vehicle, turn and run in the opposite direction. The driver will have to turn around before he can continue following you.
• When returning home, have your key out and ready to unlock the door.

Sonny Jackson