More Victims Identified in Butt-Slasher Case

Three more women have stepped forward saying they were slashed on the buttocks while shopping in Northern Virginia.

Fairfax police say a total of nine incidents have been reported from February until now.

In a press release, authorities wrote: "Several of the reports were filed in late July after detectives connected the cases and determined that there may be one individual responsible for all (or most) of the assaults."

The most recent case happened at the Forever 21 store in Fair Oaks Mall on July 25, which is also the site of one of the first attacks in February.

"People are coming forward," said Lucy Caldwell, of Fairfax County police. "It's not surprising. We wouldn't be surprised if we received additional reports."

Police released the following list of related incidents:

  • July 25, Fair Oaks Mall, Forever 21
  • June 20, Greenbriar Shopping Center, Marshalls
  • June 18, Tysons Corner Mall, H&M
  • June 8, Fairfax Towne Center, T.J. Maxx
  • May 16, Fair Oaks Mall, Ann Taylor
  • March 11, Tysons Corner Center, H&M
  • February 14, Fair Oaks Mall, near Champps
  • February, Fair Oaks Mall (no other info available)
  • February, Fair Oaks Mall, Forever 21(no other info available)

The circumstances of each attack follow a similar pattern. Most of the slashings have followed a distraction, usually clothing being knocked over. Afterward, the culprit calmly walks away without drawing attention to himself.

None of the victims has suffered a serious injury, but one victim told News4 the her injury was deep and left a permanent scar that she was told would be worse had she opted for stitches.

The slasher is a heavyset Hispanic man in his late 20s standing about 5-foot-6, according to Fairfax County police.

Police said they will not be alerting the media and the public about anymore victims that step forward but will update the case on their website, News4's Jane Watrel reported.

Police hope someone will be able to identify the slasher from the surveillance video and images.  Anyone who thinks they know who the man is or has information about the case should call police at 703-691-2131 or send a tip to Crime Solvers by phone at 866-411-TIPS (8477), by texting “TIP187” and the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org.

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