Police are urging residents to be cautious on area trails after a man tried to drag three people into the woods in the separate assaults along the Anacostia tributary.
The most recent attempted assault happened Thursday between Magruder Park and the Northwest Branch Trail. The other two happened within the past three weeks near the West Hyattsvile Metro station. Police say the incidents happened late at night and early in the morning.
Investigators have not confirmed the attacks are connected but say the suspect description is similar.
Police checked on the status of a man arrested after a string of sex assaults three years ago, and he's still in prison.
Last summer, there were more attacks near the Metro station. A man would jump out of wooded areas and try to sexually assault women between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Police are encouraging joggers to carry a whistle and cellphone, avoid walking alone with earphones and to report any suspicious activity to police at 301-985-5060.
