By Shannon McDonald

UPDATE: Christopher Russell was arrested yesterday in connection with the attacks. His possible accomplice has not been named or arrested.

Courtesy of KYW

Police say 33-year-old Christopher Russell is responsible for at least seven attacks against elderly women in the Lawndale and Lawncrests neighborhoods.

The attacks began September 2008, and have been increasing in frequency, the most recent one occurring just last week. Russell follows elderly women on their way home from shopping and assualts them as they enter their homes. Victims have reported being thrown to the ground, and some were punched repeatedly. Police say Russell has a gun, but has not used it thus far. All of the victims were between 61 and 83 years old.

Elderly women are being encouraged to be aware of the surroundings, avoid traveling alone and report suspicious activity.

You can view the list of the attacks on 6abc.com.