San Diego

A series of violent muggings has prompted police to warn women who work downtown to be careful while walking to their cars in public parking lots.

Four women have been attacked since August, the last three within a two-week period last month, said police spokesman Bill Robinson. The attacks occurred in public lots or underground garages within a mile of the county courthouse on Broadway.

The first attack occurred Aug. 10 in the 1000 block of Pacific Highway. The second took place Oct. 10 in the 1500 block of 5th Avenue, and the third occurred two days later. The fourth attack occurred Oct. 20 in the 700 block of 1st Avenue.

The mugger often strikes at about 5 p.m., although one attack occurred at 11 a.m., according to a memo to female employees in the district attorney’s office. He approaches the victims as they are getting into their cars and continues to beat them even after they have surrendered their keys, Robinson said.

Police believe the same man is responsible for all the attacks. He is described as black, in his 20s or 30s and about 6 feet tall.