Suspect arrested in bike path attacks in Cudahy, St. Francis

CUDAHY -- Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a pair of bike path attacks in Cudahy and St. Francis.

On August 9th, Cudahy police investigated an attack on a woman jogging in Warnimont Park. On August 24th, another woman reported being attacked while jogging in Bay View Park in St. Francis.

As a result of the two attacks, police from St. Francis, Cudahy, Milwaukee, South Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office teamed up to investigate the crimes.

On Wednesday, August 29th around 11:30 a.m., an alert citizen contacted the Cudahy Police Department to report a suspicious man on the bike path in Warnimont Park. Officers located the suspect who matched the description of the alleged attacker from the previous incidents.

"We’d like to commend the citizen who was aware and alert that something didn’t look right to him.  He did the right thing by calling the police department and asking us to look into it," said Melissa Mueller of the Cudahy Police Department.

The suspect is a 25 year-old Hispanic man from Milwaukee.  Investigators believe he is responsible for both attacks in the south shore.

Police initially thought the suspect's intent was sexual assault, but after interviewing him, believe his motive was robbery.

The suspect is being held in the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility. Charges of attempted strong-arm robbery are being considered by the district attorney.

Since learning of the attacks two weeks ago, Tess Wielochowski hasn't gone on the Oak Leaf Trail to walk her dog.  She says her neighbor was one of the victims.

"She told me she was attacked basically during dusk, it was still light outside.  She’s doing well, a little shaken up.  She’s definitely not running alone anymore," said Wielochowski.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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