MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne police said they are looking for a man wanted in connection with a sexual battery case and three recent indecent exposure incidents.
The crimes all happened between Aug. 31 and Sept. 19 in or around the Indian River Bluffs neighborhood during the late-night or early-morning hours, according to a news release.
Lt. Scott Mostert, of the Melbourne Police Department, said on Sept. 5, the man entered a woman's home and raped her. Ten days later, he exposed himself to someone, which marked the third incident in the neighborhood.
In the most recent case, on Sept. 19, he exposed himself to a victim in the victim's backyard, officials said.
Given the string of crimes, Mostert urged residents to be alert.
"If neighbors would lock their doors and take all the precautions that they can and be diligent," Mostert said.
Police did not release the ages of the victims.
The search for the suspect is urgent to Indian River Bluffs residents, including Jessica Johnson.
"It's a little scary. He could target me walking, like, right now," Johnson said.
Resident Donald Lind said that like police, he's going to step up patrols in the area.
"I definitely will be keeping an eye out. It's going to take the people to catch this guy," said Lind, who is a military veteran.
Anyone who recognizes the man in the composite image or who has any information related to the crimes should call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-8477.