Neighbors for watch group after second attack in Northdale Lake Park

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Residents in the Northdale area say they are fed up after recent attacks along the popular Northdale Lake Park trail.

Neighbors held a meeting to form a neighborhood watch in an effort to deter criminals from the area.

“My interest here is to act as a concerned citizen, to get out here increase presence,” said Jim Salgado.

Salgado has spent nearly 30 years in the Air Force. He’s putting the neighborhood watch in Northdale together.

His No. 1 focus: Stop a two-time attacker on the trail.

“With as many families as we have here how could you sit back and not be involved,” he said.

Deputies say on January 30 a man grabbed a woman’s arm, scaring her, and then running off. 

On Saturday, it’s believed the same guy attacked a woman from behind, took off her shorts, and again got away.

“The more presence you have the better off the neighborhood is going to be,” said Bill Castens.

Castens walks the trail with eyes wide open.

“We’re not trying to be law enforcement officers. We're just trying to see something, say something," he said.

Deputies are stepping up their patrols, riding the trail in pairs.

“Always go in pairs, keep a cell phone handy… If you have pepper spray, bring it with you,” Salgado said.