Columbus police say they've got a serial 'creeper'

COLUMBUS (AP) — Police here say they have arrested a man accused of being a serial “creeper” who broke in and watched or touched women as they slept.

Columbus police Sgt. David Pelphrey said today that 32-year-old Deneen Black told investigators enough to convince them he is responsible for 19 such incidents in west Columbus neighborhoods, including the Hilltop. The perpetrator was dubbed the “Hilltop Creeper.”

Black, a registered sex offender, is accused of breaking into a house through a window July 18 and touching the lips of a sleeping 23-year-old woman. Other charges are expected to be filed.

The court complaint says police connected Black to the crime through fingerprints.