Franklin Police officials have asked residents to be on the lookout for a man they believed attacked a woman outside of her apartment complex.
Thomas Burns, 24, is wanted as person of interest by the Franklin Police Department in the April 25 attack of a woman on Toll House Circle apartment complex.
The woman reported being accosted and physically assaulted by a stranger in the breezeway outside her apartment.
On April 10, a female resident at the condominium complex in the 1100 block of Downs Boulevard reported being approached by a man while walking her dog outside her condo. Sensing danger, the woman ran back to her condo, and the man began chasing behind. He repeatedly rang the doorbell after the woman locked herself inside. She was not injured.
Detectives are working to determine if that attack could be connected to the incident on Downs Boulevard.
Burns is homeless, and believed to have been camping in a wooded area near Toll House Circle at the time of the attack in that area.
“I have been out by myself alone before at night,” resident Emily Armstrong said.
Armstrong lives on Toll House Circle with her three kids. She moved to the area last summer and says she feels safe.
“We did get an email from our landlord letting us know that an incident had occurred and they didn't say specifically what had happened but that we need to remember to keep our doors locked, remember if you’re going to be walking go with somebody else that we know,” she said.
She said she’d taking the advice.
“I probably will take some more well lit routes now, now that I know that has been an issue,” she said.
Franklin police are asking women to be aware of their surroundings. They even suggested taking a self-defense class as another safety measure.
Nashville Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu owner Chris Hollingsworth has been teaching self defense classes for 10 years.
He says women take classes for several reasons including safety and demonstrated what to do if you find yourself in a confined space.
“Be alert to what’s going on. If you’re jogging or walking, notice if something looks out of place. Women are traditionally much better when noticing something is not right that a man is,” he said.
Detectives are asking area residents with outside security cameras to review their DVRs for anything that might help.
If you have information on Burns’ whereabouts you are urged to call Franklin Police: (615) 794-2513
