Women are taking extra precautions as CPD continues search for suspected prowler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department is asking for help in identifying a "suspected prowler" targeting women in Columbia.

"We're asking your help to identify and locate a suspected prowler," CPD Assistant Chief of Police Jeremiah Hunter said in a video posted to social media Tuesday. "We believe his activity may be escalating and we want to keep the community safe."

Alexis McNamara lives in the area and said she and her friends have been on high alert after hearing about it.

"It's a scary situation to be in," she said. "Especially when you're young and you're growing up and your parents tell you to always look out for stranger danger."

CPD said in a press release that the suspect is believed to be linked to several incidents since August:

• Aug. 9: Burglary report at the 4300 block of Kentsfield Lane. The suspect entered an apartment of a woman while she was home. The man became frightened and left, according to CPD. The man allegedly tried to enter several apartments at that same complex of women who lived alone.
• Sept. 15: A similar report as made at an apartment complex at the 3300 block of Old Highway 63 South. All residents of that apartment were women.
• Nov. 2: A burglary was reported at the 3200 block of Old Highway 63 South, the same apartment complex as the Sept. 15 incident. All of the residents were women.
• Nov. 6: Someone attempted to break into an apartment at the 2200 block of Old Highway 63 South where, again, everyone inside were women.
• Nov. 6: A woman called 911 after she claimed a man chased her to her door in the 3900 block of Buttonwood Drive.

All of the women were between 20-30 years old. CPD included a sketch of the alleged prowler on its social media.

"My roommates and I have definitely talked about it," McNamara said. "Being more cautious about like closing our blinds at night, locking our doors, turning off our lights, trying to make it look like nobody's home."

Online Columbia police dispatch records show during a six-hour period on Tuesday night, there were at least five calls to south Columbia apartment complexes about a suspicious person or car.

The Columbia Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying the alleged attacker. CPD is asking the public to contact CPD at (573) 874-7652 or at CRIMESTOPPERS at (573) 875-8477 to leave an anonymous tip.