After series of suspected sexual offenses in Nürtingen: 18-year-old in pre-trial detention

According to the investigations, the offenses occurred on two days. On Wednesday, a previously unknown assailant attacked the 13-year-old on a field path, as police and the public prosecutor's office had announced on Thursday. On the following day, a 57-year-old woman was pulled off her bicycle and attacked by a man, apparently with sexually motivated intent, on the same field path. Police assume that one and the same man attacked and injured the girl and the woman.

Four offenses in the focus of investigators

According to the information, the 18-year-old is charged with two sexually motivated attacks on a 13-year-old girl and a 57-year-old woman, as well as sexual harassment of two other women. According to a spokesperson, police are currently investigating four sexually motivated offenses. A 47-year-old reported a similar incident to police, the authorities said. Police also attribute these two offenses to the attacker.

A 35-year-old filed an online report because a cyclist had indecently touched her while riding past. A 35-year-old woman also filed a report because a cyclist indecently touched her while riding past. The man is suspected of having harassed two additional women. They had contacted police following the first two attacks that had become known.

Major manhunt and DNA match

After the first two attacks became known, police had launched a major manhunt. A helicopter and undercover investigators were among those involved. Police had subsequently set up an investigation team of 25 officers to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators. Upon his arrest on Friday, the teenager had resisted, it was further reported.

Molecular genetic examinations subsequently yielded a DNA match between the 18-year-old and secured traces. This strengthened the suspicion against the young man, the investigators said. Police continue to investigate the exact sequence of events. Police initially provided no further details about the men.

Reactions and further investigations

According to police, at least one of the two is alleged to have sexually attacked or harassed several women and the girl on Wednesday and Thursday. Investigators are also examining whether further offenses can be attributed to the 18-year-old now in pre-trial detention. The authorities are asking any other potential witnesses or those affected to come forward.

The incidents had caused considerable unease in the town in the district of Esslingen. Residents expressed concern about the offenses on a field path that is also used by walkers and schoolchildren. The town and police announced that they would increase their presence in the area until the investigations are concluded.