Police searching for 70-year-old man suspected of sexually assaulting minors in West Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The search is on for 70-year-old Gregory Hightower who is suspected of sexually assaulting minors in West Baltimore.

Baltimore Police say he's the man depicted in sketches they put out last week. 

Related: Sketch shared of suspect in sexual assault of Baltimore student in Gwynns Falls neighborhood

Detectives aren't releasing how they identified Hightower because they're still investigating.

He is wanted for two recent sexual assaults that happened in the area of Gwynns Falls Parkway, according to police.

One of the incidents happened near Dukeland Street when a teen was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint while walking to school. Her backpack and cash were stolen.

The other assault was near North Pulaski Street, which isn't far from Coppin State University and several other schools.

"I was scared," Baltimore resident Tia Mack said. "I ride that way coming from work and it's a lot of kids go to school up there."

Residents in the area told WJZ they are shocked because the area is usually safe.

"It's crazy because normally either Coppin Police right there or school police right there," Mack said.

Hightower is described as  5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 184 pounds.

Anyone with information on Hightower's whereabouts is urged to dial 911.

"I've got younger nieces and they don't all drive," Mack said. "So, they walk up and down the street. I really hope they do catch him."