No. Of Serial Rapes Still At 7

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Rumors are swirling that the city's serial rapist has victimized more local women.

NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported on where the investigation stood Friday and the grave realities of rape in Columbus.

People might be surprised by how many rapes there are in Columbus that are committed by someone the victim knows.

Since Monday, there have been nine reports in the city alone.

Still, it is those connected with the serial rapist that have people so concerned.

Despite other media reports, police said the number of cases detectives believe the serial rapist was responsible for remains at seven.

There have been other rapes in the same area, but in those cases the victims knew the alleged rapists.

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The suspect has raped or molested seven women all on the west, north or northwest side of Central Ohio since June 4.

According to police, five of the victims are in their early 20s, while the other two victims are 46 and 30 years old.

Police said they believe the man stalks his victims, learning their living habits, and then attacks them.

He attacks single women or women who are alone at night and generally strikes while his victims are asleep or in bed.

He struck once in June, once in September, four times in October and once in November. Two of the October attacks occurred on consecutive days.

The attacker also changed his timing in the incidents. The first few attacks occurred in the early morning hours, while the last two attacks occurred in the evening. The most recent occurred in the early morning hours again.

The man is by-and-large using weak and unlocked windows and doors to gain entry. 

Officials said they do not have a clear description of the suspect because he always wears a ball cap and bandana.

The suspect also covers the faces of the women so they aren't able to get a good look at his face.

The city of Hilliard is not as convinced as Columbus police that its June rape case is connected to the North-West serial rape investigation.

CPD believes there were enough similarities; Hilliard PD believes there were enough differences.

How will authorities catch the serial rapist?

There's no DNA evidence that links the rapes to anyone, investigators continue to send items to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in hopes of getting a DNA hit.

Police said it could take up to a year to get DNA evidence results, though.

Meanwhile, gun sales to women are up in Central Ohio, as are courses in how to use them.

The reason? The serial rapist.

The tips continue to roll into Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, too.

 Anyone with information is asked to call police at 614-645-2437 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

A $2,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person responsible for the attacks.

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

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.

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