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Women attacked over the weekend, Gainesville police searching for culprit

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A man with a similar description over the weekend in Gainesville reportedly attacked two women within hours.

The first attack was reported around 9:20 p.m. Saturday near the 1800 block of NW 2nd Avenue. Officers responded to reports of a woman screaming, and found a 21-year-old woman.

Gainesville police said the victim was punched in the face and had some clothes ripped off when the suspect attempted to rape her. The man was not successful, and disappeared into a crowd of Gator fans.

RELATED: UF police: Attempted sexual battery near student dorms

University Police Department responded to a second attack in the 400 block of SW 13th Street around 2 a.m. Sunday.

UPD responded said a woman was dragged from the sidewalk and into the woods along the edge of campus, and Gainesville police assisted in the call.

Around 2:40 a.m. a witness told police a man matching the description of the culprit was seen near the Williamsburg Apartments, and the man asked for a ride to the ABV Motel.

Officers and K-9 responded, but did not find the man.

The man is was described about 6 feet to 6 feet 5 inches tall, heavy build, with close cut brown hair and beard. He was last seen wearing a blue Gator shirt.