Two Real Estate Agents Attacked at Work

The attacks have happened at sales offices in new home communities in Durham and in Cary. Police believe the same man is responsible for both.

An armed man entered the sales office at Regency Park Estates in Cary Thursday afternoon asking to see blueprints. He forced the female sales associate into a bathroom, and attempted to sexually assault her.

During the struggle, he dropped his gun, but managed to shock the woman with a taser. The man then stole her watch and ran.

Police drew a composite sketch of the suspect, and they believe the same man wanted for a similar attack in Durham.

"The m.o. was similar, the physical description of the assailant was similar, even the vehicle descriptions were very similar - so we feel confident there's a likely connection to the Durham incident," Cary Police Chief Windy Hunter said.

Durham police say an attack happened two weeks ago, but they would not identify the real estate office where it took place. Meanwhile, realtors in the Triangle are being put on high alert.

Bill Walker, a broker at Howard, Perry and Walston says the multiple listing service has put out an alert on the computer for all realtors to see.

He says usually agents who work in new home communities are not easy targets because they work in pairs, and are often busy with clients.

"People always like to look at new homes, so generally, there's a lot of traffic in and out," Walker said. "Plus, you have the builder, and the builder's subs."

All realtors are being asked to take extra safety precautions until the suspect is caught. Police also say anyone who works in an isolated area could be at risk.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham or Cary police. Cary police are offering a $2,500 dollar reward.