Police hunt Coverstone attacker

Two violent attacks in less than 15 hours have police and residents in the Coverstone area near Manassas wondering what’s next.

Twice on Tuesday, a man grabbed young women — one walking along a path and the other sitting in her car — punching them in the face when they tried to fight.

“These two women fought like crazy, and one has a broken nose,” said Prince William County police 1st Sgt. Kim Chinn. “But they’re still alive.”

Police canvassed the Coverstone neighborhood Wednesday morning, handing out flyers bearing composite sketches of the culprits. The two men look the same except one is wearing glasses.

The latest attack happened about 9 p.m. Tuesday night. The 33-year-old victim was sitting in her car in the 7500 block of Clemson Court when a man walked up, opened the door, punched her in the face and then attempted to drag her out of the car, Chinn said.

The woman fought the man and was able to get away.

Police say a man matching the same description attacked and sexually assaulted a 25-year-old woman at 6:30 a.m. in the 10900 block of Coverstone Drive.

The victim was walking through a path between a shopping center and several apartment complexes when a man grabbed her, punched her in the face and broke her nose and then tried to rape her, said Chinn.

She was able to fight off the attack.

In both cases, the attacker was described as black with an afro-style hairdo.

In the morning assault, the victim described her assailant as between 6 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a thin build. The man was wearing eyeglasses with a brown tint, dark pants and a white shirt with blue and red stripes, said Chinn.

In the second attack, the woman described a black man between 18 and 25 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds. He wore a black T-shirt and blue jeans, said Chinn. He had no facial hair.

“We’re very concerned about two attacks in one day,” Chinn said. “We’re putting a lot of resources into working these cases.”

Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood, but are warning women to be extra cautious.

Chinn said women should avoid secluded areas and try to have someone walk with them if going in or out of a building at night.

“If someone does try to attack you, fight like crazy. Don’t ever go anywhere with them. If someone takes you from a visible place to a secluded place, you’re in big trouble,” Chinn said.

Anyone with information about the Coverstone attacks is asked to call Prince William County Crime Solvers at 703-670-3700 or 1-866-411-TIPS. You don’t have to give your name, just the information. Tips leading to arrest could earn a $1,000 cash reward.

Communities editor Kari Pugh can be reached at 703-878-8056. Staff writer Uriah Kiser contributed to this story.

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