City and County of Denver, CO

01/30/2026 | Press release | Archived content

DPD Requesting Assistance Identifying Assault/Kidnapping Suspect(s)

DPD Requesting Assistance Identifying Assault/Kidnapping Suspect(s)

Published on January 30, 2026

Denver - January 30, 2026 - On January 16, 2026, the Denver Police Department asked for the public's assistance to help identify a suspect who assaulted a woman in the 1300 block of South Grant Street on January 7, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m. On January 27, 2026, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Denver Police officers responded to a similar incident where a male suspect assaulted a female who was running near the intersection of South Grant Street and East Ellsworth Avenue.

Investigators have been canvassing these two neighborhoods to gather information and evidence and continue processing items collected at the scenes for forensic links to the suspect(s). While investigators have made progress, the Department continues seeking assistance from the community in identifying and locating the suspect(s). At this time, DPD is uncertain whether the suspect in each incident is the same person. DPD is also uncertain of the motive. In the first incident, a Good Samaritan helped the female who was being attacked. In the second incident, the victim fought back and screamed until the suspect fled.

"We understand that these incidents create fear in our communities, and we are utilizing every investigative means to find the person(s) who attacked these women," said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. "We ask our residents to be extra vigilant, especially while running outside in the dark, and to please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers if you have information that will be helpful to investigators."

The suspect in the first assault is described as a Black male, in his twenties, approximately 6'0 tall, dark colored hair with short dreadlocks or a kinky style afro, and a possible tattoo on his hand. He was wearing a white or light-colored jacket and gray or dark colored sweatpants. He was observed in the area prior to the incident and may have been wearing over-the-ear headphones.

The suspect in the second assault is described as a Black male wearing a gray jacket with a logo, dark or black pants and sunglasses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP(7867).

Additionally, DPD would like to provide some safety tips for the community:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
  • Avoid or limit distractions, such as cellphones and headphones, and pay attention to people approaching you.
  • Park, walk, and exercise in well-lit areas, avoiding dark areas and less populated shortcuts.
  • There is safety in numbers, so travel with friends and utilize security to escort you to your vehicle or destination when possible.
  • Be discreet with valuables and try not to carry more than you need. Keep valuables on your person so if someone steals your bag or purse, your more valuable items are safe.
  • Be prepared when walking to your car by having your keys in your hand and move quickly in and out of your vehicle or residence.
Tagged as:
City and County of Denver, CO published this content on January 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 16:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]