Two women were sexually assaulted Saturday in separate incidents, bringing the total number of sexual assault incidents police suspect are linked to the same predator to 19.

At about 3:45 a.m., a college-aged woman was walking home northbound on Piedmont Avenue near Channing Way when a man approached her from behind and attempted to penetrate her with his finger, according to Berkeley police Officer Andrew Frankel.

The incident was reported to Berkeley police about an hour later, Frankel said. When police arrived on the scene, the suspect had already fled.

At 11 p.m., a second woman was similarly assaulted as she was walking eastbound on Dwight Way near College Avenue.

The victim punched and kicked the suspect and ran from the scene, according to a UCPD press release.

The victim reported the assault to police about 12 hours after it occurred, Frankel said.

"In a number of cases, the victims waited before reporting," he said. "We're asking that victims immediately report it to the Berkeley police so we can immediately catch the suspect in the area."

Unlike previous cases, neither of the victims were wearing skirts or dresses. According to Frankel, the first victim was wearing shorts and the second was wearing tights.

The victims described the man as wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt. No injuries were reported in either of the incidents.

During the last two weeks, police have increased patrols in South Berkeley and have focused on publicizing preventative measures on personal safety, specifically in residence halls, fraternities and sororities in the area.

"It's a priority of the department to see this person off the street," Frankel said.

UCPD and the Berkeley Police Department are working closely together in their investigations to arrest the suspect, said UCPD Sgt. Eric Tejada.

In response to the sexual assaults, V-Day, Berkeley National Organization for Women and Women's Identity and Sexuality Small Group will be holding a rally Wednesday afternoon on Upper Sproul Plaza. Attendants are encouraged to wear skirts in a display of solidarity against the sexual assaults.

Tags: CRIME, ASSAULTS, PREDATOR