D.C. Police are warning people in one Southeast neighborhood to be extra vigilant after several random attacks.
There are reports of at least two recent attacks in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue near the Potomac Avenue Metro station, not far from the Eastern Market area.
In one case, a woman was attacked while carrying groceries. She was punched in the face as she passed a group of teenagers Sunday afternoon, police said. The victim sustained a broken jaw.
"I asked her... 'did you say anything to them? Did they say anything to you?'" said a woman who came to the victim's aid moments after the attack. "And she said, 'No. I was just walking by and they punched me.'" The Good Samitaritan did not wish to be identified, fearing for her own safety.
Just 24 hours later, another woman was assaulted by four teens who tried to steal her purse, according to police. The second incident happened just one block away from the first.
Metro Police said it has moved additional officers into the area to help prevent further attacks.
The blog The Hill is Home has compiled several accounts of what happened in each instance. Police have not confirmed that information yet.
Several witnesses have come forward with tips for police. Anyone else with information about these attacks is asked to call the tips line at 202-727-9099.
Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
