Dallas police are warning women about a man who has been breaking into homes near White Rock Lake. Police say he's targeted three homes so far, but Thursday the burglary turned violent.
The woman's family said her dogs woke her up barking at around 8 a.m., and when she saw a strange man standing over her, he punched her in the face. The woman's family tells NBC 5 the man got into the house through a window. Police said she was not sexually assaulted.
Police said all of the burglaries have happened close to each other in their Central Patrol Division. All of the cases happened in daylight hours, the man's descriptions are similar, and he took undergarments in two of the burglaries.
On October 18, 2012, at approximately 8 a.m., a Latin male suspect, about 28 years old, short hair, medium build entered a residence through a small window. The suspect proceeded to enter another room where he encountered the female complainant and assaulted her. The suspect then fled the location with some of the complainant's under garments. The suspect was wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans.
On October 16, 2012, at approximately 4:30 p.m., reporting officers responded to an alarm call. The complainant reported that an unknown suspect entered the residence through a rear door and took jewelry and ladies under garments. Prior to the burglary offense, a witness observed a light skinned Latin male with short spiked hair at the complainant's front door. The Latin male was observed leaving the location in a mid 90's, black Infiniti, 4-door vehicle.
On September 13, 2012, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the complainant left her residence however returned approximately 10 minutes later and found that her garage door was open. The complainant entered the residence and while she was in the kitchen, she observed a suspect peeking around the corner, from the garage. As the complainant picked up the phone to call police, the suspect jumped the back fence and fled the location. The suspect was described as a Latin male suspect, 28-30 years old, 5'11", 190 pounds, clean shaven and was wearing black gloves, gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. No property was taken.
The Dallas Police stress "If you see something, say something" and call 9-1-1 to report any criminal or suspicious activity.
Police urge residents to keep their doors and windows locked at all times and get to know your neighbors so you know who belongs and who doesn't.
Neighbors in the area say that's not that easy. "We have a neighborhood Crime Watch, we have police officers going up and down the streets all the time, but it's difficult with all the construction going on and the new building that's going on you don't know who belongs here and who doesn't," said Ceciliee Wallace.
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"It definitely scared me," says Ridgedale Avenue homeowner Courtney Bartee. "Especially to be home here different hours during the day. It definitely makes me more aware of my surroundings."
Police say if you are away, consider leaving a light, radio, or TV on a timer that goes on and off while you are away from home.Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call the Central Patrol Investigative Unit at 214-671-4414.
