Police discuss recent rapes, break-ins

A new sketch of the suspect was released Wednesday. He is described as a tall, heavy-set black man, with puffy cheeks and short hair or a shaved head.Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen spoke to The Post and Courier this week about the recent break-ins involving sexual assault downtown, which have been linked to at least three other cases in the Charleston area. Mullen discussed the department's efforts to track down the suspect, but said that nobody is using the term "serial rapist" at this point, urging caution but not panic.

From The Post and Courier:

"We're going to continue to investigate each one of these until we can either eliminate them from being connected or we can prove that they are," Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said.

...

He said police also are working with neighborhood associations downtown to get the word out.

"What we're recommending is that everybody keep their doors and windows closed and locked and that they use security systems if they have them," the chief said. "Be cognizant of what's going on around your neighborhood. If you see anything whatsoever that's suspicious, call 911. We want to get out there and check it out."

Said Mullen: "We are doing everything we can to resolve this case. We're taking it very seriously. The safety of the community is our number one priority."

Also, related to the cases, NBC News 2 has a story on self-defense classes, called Rape Aggression Defense.

From NBC News 2:

A number of Lowcountry organizations provide a self defense class for free, or for a small fee, called Rape Aggression Defense (RAD).

While it focuses on teaching women how to stay out of dangerous situations, it does include some physical defenses.

“If you yell no when you strike you even hit harder,” explained Lt. Nestle Grimes, who teachers the course at the College of Charleston. “Within 6 hours of instruction they can hit harder than they every though they could.”

Several colleges offer information on the courses, including College of Charleston, Trident Tech, and MUSC. (I guess The Citadel figures that all of its cadets learn how to protect themselves, whether male or female ...)

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