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Two Women Robbed, Sexually Assaulted Near Lake Merritt

OAKLAND (BCN) -- Two women were robbed and sexually assaulted in Oakland's Lake Merritt neighborhood on Sunday evening, police said Monday.

Police are so far withholding details about when and where the attacks happened, but police spokeswoman Officer Holly Joshi said both occurred in the evening hours in relatively secluded areas.

Both victims were coming home when they were assaulted, she said.

Police believe the attacker in both cases might have been the same person. He is described as a black male in his 20s, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and was armed with a weapon.

Joshi said police hope to release more specifics soon. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay in well-lighted, populated areas and be aware of their surroundings.

Police recommend that residents be particularly alert when getting into and out of their cars, and lock the car doors once inside.

Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to call the Police Department at (510) 238-3641.

(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)

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