On Saturday, the Dallas Police Department identified a suspect in connection with one of nine sexual assaults in South Dallas.
Dallas police said there was a DNA match from one of the cases to the suspect, Van Dralan Dixon. He is a black, 38-years-old and stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds.
An arrest warrant for aggravated sexual assault has been issued for Dixson. That warrant carries with it a $1 million bond.
Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating Dixson and anyone who knows Dixson's whereabouts is urged to contact Dallas police.
Dixson does have an extensive criminal record, including an arrest in early August for deadly conduct by Dallas police, court records show. However, police would not say how they got a sample of Dixson's DNA.
Maj. Jeff Cotner said investigators are awaiting more laboratory tests to come back on the other assaults. So far, Dixson is only officially linked to the one assault and police would not specify which of the cases Dixson's DNA is connected with.
"Detectives will continue to investigate all leads, even though a suspect has been identiteid," Cotner said.
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Officers identified a person of interest, Alan Mason, on Thursday. Mason was taken into custody on outstanding warrants but police said he is not a suspect in the sexual assaults.
Residents Still Concerned
In South Dallas on Saturday night, residents NBC 5 spoke with were still very concerned that no arrest had been made in the rape cases.
"Tthere's a lot of people afraid," one woman said.
"Very scary, makes me want to be very careful," said Delilah Andrews.
"Normally I go in the house at 12, now I changed it to 9 or 10, not trying to stay outside at night," said Latyoie King.
NBC 5 showed the residents the picture of Dixson. No one recognized him, but said they hope he is caught soon and that they'll keep an eye out for him.
Another Sexual Assault in Area
On Saturday morning another sexual assault was reported to have happened at about 5 a.m. near Pennsylvania Avenue and Holmes Street.
Okema Thomas said her cousin heard something outside about the time of the attack.
"She heard some noise about 4 o'clock this morning and a guy in her apartment went outside, you know to see what it was, and found a woman," Thomas said. "She was putting up her clothes and she has been sexually assaulted, she had been raped."
Dallas police said that sexual assault is still under investigation and has not been linked to the other rapes in the area.
