Police are warning drivers to be on guard after a man rammed two women’s cars early Monday then raped one driver and robbed the other.

Both incidents occurred in south Charlotte.

In the first attack, two women told police they were driving home around 2 a.m. when their car was struck from behind at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads. The female driver got out of her car to check for damage when she was confronted by a man with a handgun who demanded money.

The women said they had no money, and the suspect forces them to drive to an ATM, where they were unable to withdraw cash. The women told police the suspect then forced them to drive to the 3000 block of Ferncliff Road, where he raped the driver and fondled the passenger.

The second attack occurred in the 700 block of McDonald Avenue. In this incident, a lone female told police she was driving home around 2:35 a.m. when her car was struck from behind. When she got out to check for damage, a man with a gun demanded cash. The victim complied and the suspect left.

Police say they believe the incidents are related.

The suspect in each case was described as being a dark-skinned black male, 5-feet-10, thin build with a goatee. He was last seen wearing a black hoody. His vehicle was described as a small dark-colored car.

Police say the attacker might be following women as they leave bars and nightclubs.

Detectives are seeking a possible witness to the first incident. A white mini-van was seen at Ferncliff around the time of the assault. The victim, in that case, was driving a small white car.

Police on Monday cautioned nighttime drivers to be aware of their surroundings and, if involved in an accident, to drive to a populated, well-lighted area and call 911. They also reminded drivers to turn on their hazard lights and wait for police before exiting their vehicles.

Anyone with information about the two attacks is asked to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. The lead detective in the case, C. Owens with the sexual assault unit, can be reached at 704-336-6030. Sgt. D. Price, who oversees the unit, can be reached at 704-336-4188.

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