GALLATIN, TN (WSMV) -
Sumner County authorities are investigating two violent sexual assaults that occurred during armed home invasions earlier this week.
In both cases, authorities said two male subjects entered homes during the night, raped the female victims and fled, taking various items from the homes.
"It's scary to know it happened right down the street," said neighbor Amanda Scott.
The first incident occurred in the Castalian Springs area of the county on Tuesday around 11 p.m. The second incident occurred at a home on Jill Street in Gallatin on Thursday around 11 p.m.
"It could happen again. It probably will happen again, knowing they didn't catch them," Scott said.
Details in the two cases lead investigators from the Gallatin Police Department and Sumner County Sheriff's Department to believe the incidents are related.
"It's so early in the investigation. The investigation is very active, and we still have witnesses to interview. And we don't want to risk contaminating any information we might get from those witnesses," said Officer Bill Storment.
Gallatin police warn home owners to keep their homes locked and be certain of anyone at their door that is uninvited.
If you have information about either of these incidents, call either the Gallatin Police Department at 615-452-1313 or the Sumner County Sheriff's Department at 615-452-2616.
Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.