MPD investigates armed robberies, sexual assaults on East Side

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police have confirmed there have been a series of armed robberies and sexual assaults on the city's Upper East Side.

Police say a 44-year-old woman was walking on the street shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 28th when she was robbed and sexually assaulted by a suspect who was armed with a handgun. The same suspect may also be responsible for the armed robbery of a 24-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman who happened near Downer and Locust just after midnight on July 28th.

Police say they are also investigating whether this suspect is responsible for the July 12th robbery near Murray and Farwell and the July 12th sexual assault and robbery that happened near Downer and Park Place.

Police say the woman in Sunday's incident was walking on the street when her attacker tried to force her into a van.

"There were cops everywhere.  I got really scared. I had no idea what was going on," Tayla Matus said.

Matus and Emily Worden were shocked to see police near their apartment near Prospect and Linnwood on Sunday night, July 28th.

Then, they got an update from UW-Milwaukee, warning students of an armed robbery and sexual assault that occurred around 10:15 p.m.

"We'll have a guy friend walk us home and they're usually pretty good about it cause they know it can be dangerous," Worden said.

Police say a 44-year-old woman was walking in the street when a suspect with a handgun tried to force her into a van, but was unsuccessful.

UWM says the woman's cell phone was stolen.

The neighborhood is a mixture of student apartments and family homes.

Aaron Birnbaum says he's concerned to learn of this weekend's incident, and the others.

"I'll tell my wife and keep a closer eye on my son," Birnbaum said.