Editor's note: Newark Police have released surveillance footage on the department's Facebook page.  

Newark Police are investigating two attempted abductions that occurred in the late night and early morning of July 3-4.

At approximately 11:20 p.m., July 3, a female University of Delaware students, 28, was unloading several items from her vehicle at Colonial Gardens, 334 East Main St. As she was about to exit her building to make another trip to her car, a man entered her building, grabbed her from behind and attempted to put a rag with an unknown chemical around her mouth. The suspect attempted to force the victim outside but was unsuccessful. She fought the suspect off, and he fled by foot away from the area.

Around 3:33 a.m., July 4, a 61-year-old woman was exiting her vehicle at Main Towers at 330 East Main St. when she was attacked from behind. A man grabbed her neck and mouth and attempted to push her into the vehicle. The victim fought off the suspect, and the suspect fled on foot.  

The suspect is described as a white male, in his early 20s, approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a thin build.

Both victims declined medical attention.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective James Skinner at 302-366-7100 ext. 3135 or at james.skinner@cj.state.de.us . Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available.

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