Portland police are investigating two incidents that happened in the West End on Sunday night that they believe are connected.
Police received a call about the first incident, which happened around 7 p.m. on Thomas Street. A woman told police that she noticed a vehicle following her. The driver allegedly offered her a ride, then got out of his car when she refused and punched her in the face several times. Witnesses told police it looked like the man was trying to drag her into his car. He then got back in his vehicle and drove off.
Around 8 p.m., another woman told police that she was being followed by a vehicle while walking on Brackett Street. The male driver called out to get her attention but then made a U-turn when she took out her cell phone, heading in the direction of Maine Medical Center.
The suspect in that incident is described as a black male, about 30 to 40 years old and possibly bald. He was driving a gray or silver Toyota Camry with a paper Texas registration plate.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the police.