Lifeguard Rapes in Alexandria, Falls Church May Be Connected: Report

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Investigators tell NBC-4 that the Sept. 3 rape of a female lifeguard in Alexandria may be connected to a similar case that occurred in 2014 in Falls Church.

Both cases involve similar victims, Eastern European female lifeguards; a similar description of the suspect -- white male suspect in his 20s or early 30s, and a suspect who used a gun in both cases.

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the rape of a 24-year old lifeguard Sept. 3 at a pool on S. Pickett Street in the City. Police say the suspect raped and abducted the woman at gunpoint at the pool, located in the 200 block of S. Pickett Street.

At approximately 2:09 p.m. that Saturday, the woman called police to report she had been abducted and raped by an unknown suspect, police said. An unknown man approached her while she was at work; no one else was at the pool, police said. The suspect brandished a gun and raped the victim, police said. The victim was able to call for help after the suspect fled.

The suspect was described as a white male in his mid-30s, tall and thin, with short hair and dark eyes. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, light-colored jeans and a blue baseball cap, according to police.

The case in 2014 took place on a Sunday, Aug. 3 at about 7 p.m., according to Fairfax County Police. A suspect raped a 20-year old lifeguard at a pool on Yarling Court in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County, about 10 miles from the Alexandria crime. The suspect displayed a weapon and sexually assaulted the lifeguard, Fairfax County police said.

The suspect was also described as a white man, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build and was clean-shaven.

Police are hoping to hear from anyone who might have information to share about the cases.