Worry Turns Into Panic After 7th Attack

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- He prowled around Marlowe Court. He pried into a victim's apartment. No one in the neighborhood can believe the serial rapist attacked so close to home.

NBC 4's Ana Jackson went out to talk to residents in the neighborhood where the most recent sexual assault happened.

Police said the seventh rape in what they're calling the Northwest Serial Rape investigation happened in an apartment complex off Marlowe Court on the city's far West Side.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

Nov. 11: CPD: 7th Sexual Assault Tied To Serial Rapist

Oct. 31: FBI Profiler Works On Serial Rapist Case

Oct. 30: Search Continues For Serial Rapist

Oct. 29: Residents On Edge With Rapist On The Loose

Oct. 29: New Information Gathered On Serial Rapist

Oct. 28: Police Ask For Help Finding Serial Rapist

Residents were worried about the fact there was a rape in their neighborhood, but since the attack was linked to the serial rapist, worry has turned into panic.

"It scares me. I'm scared because I work third shift. I work all hours of the night and day, and it scares me because my boyfriend's not home all the time. I'm walking in alone at night," resident Ashley Fried said.

It was especially unnerving because residents said they didn't notice anyone suspicious lurking.

"Right here in my neighborhood! I could have rolled past this man earlier today or when I took my kids to school – anything," resident Tia Wright said.

Everyone was keeping an extra eye out for danger.

"I guess I'll probably be more careful. You always think that won't happen to me, but it happens to everyone all the time," resident Kayli Hubbard said.

Neighbors promised to watch out for each other.

"We always coincide with each other and let each other know. We talk a lot and spread the word to try to keep our kids safe," Wright said.

What will these worried residents do until the serial rapist is apprehended?

"I'm going to carry Mace with me and make sure I have a phone, or make sure I'm with someone when I go home," Fried said.

SEXUAL-ASSAULT MAP: Search an interactive map where police said the serial rapist has attacked women.

But even when residents make it home and lock their doors behind them, an uneasy feeling lingers.

"I just hope this gets taken care of because it's not comfortable to know someone could be outside your door and you would never know," resident Michael Jasper said.

Experts suggested you be aware of your surroundings at all times. Change your routine to throw off a potential attacker.

Women are arming themselves with the know-how to fight back.

Contact combat, which was developed in the 1940s by Israelis, is hand-to-hand combat. It's Krav Maga in Hebrew.

Mark Slane owns a Krav Maga gym in Hilliard.

"It's not martial arts and it doesn't take years to learn. It's easy to learn and easy to remember," Slane said.

Slane called it street self defense.

Want to learn more? Watch the video in the top left-hand corner and call the gym at 614-861-6213.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers also will holding two self-defense classes for women Sunday at the Premier At Sawmill Athletic Club. Classes will be free. Register at http://stopcrime.org/?p=633. Currently, registration is closed, but spaces could open.

Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for more information on this developing story.

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