Fairfield Police Department does not want area residents to become unduly alarmed, but they need to be aware of a traveling rapist who has struck as near as Leon county and take precautionary measures.

"We haven't had anything related to it here," Fairfield Assistant Police Chief Bill Rogillio says.

The rapist has made four home invasions and committed four sexual assaults of women between the ages of 79-90, starting in January.

Victims live alone in rural areas, or on the outskirts of towns, the assistant chief reports. Thus far, all incidents have involved white women.

The home invasions and assaults have occurred twice in Yokum and once apiece in Marquez, Leon county, Centerville, Zabcikville and Seaton in Bell county and Marlin.

Entry has been from 2-5 a.m. through unlocked or open windows.

Also, Rogillio reports, telephone lines have been cut or disconnected.

Targeted residences have been along major highways.

Rogillio says that DNA evidence points to a single suspect, but that descriptions have varied widely as to the assailants race and height, except for speech.

"The individual speaks clear English with no accent, but the descriptions vary," Rogillio says.

The assistant chief advises area residents to take precautions, especially making sure that windows and doors are locked.

Additional precautions are to keep a cellular telephone handy because telephones have been disabled.

A car key fob that activates a car alarm can be useful by creating noise when the car alarm is activated remotely.

Area residents are advised to keep an eye on the homes of neighbors and write down license plate numbers of any vehicles they do not recognize at homes.

"We don't want to alarm people, but we are trying to put out some information," Rogillio says.

The Texas Rangers, FBI and law enforcement officers from Leon, Bell, Lavaca and Falls counties, and Yokum police are investigating the assaults.