OMAHA, Neb. -- A rash of midtown Omaha sexual assault incidents may be related to two other incidents outside of midtown, according to Omaha police.

The two incidents happened near 99th and Y streets and 69th and Pacific streets, police said.

Eight incidents have occurred in midtown since March 2008, police said, involving window-peeping, trespassing and burglary. Investigators said the man enters the homes through unlocked windows and doors.

One of the incidents was reported as a rape and three were reported as sexual misconduct.

The incidents have occurred in the area bound by 35th to 40th streets and Harney to Marcy streets, said Omaha police Lt. Darci Tierney.

All incidents have happened during overnight hours, resulting in limited information on a potential intruder.

A group of college women said they did get a look at the man when he broke into their home.

"He came down into our basement to where we were sleeping and told us to give him money," said one of the women, who asked only to be identified as Beth. "He was wearing all black, he had a ski mask on and he had a brown paper bag over his hand."

She said that she and the man stared at each other for about two minutes. She said she's glad that her boyfriend was with her at the time.

"I have no idea what would have happened if he wasn't. I think it could have ended worse," she said.

Another woman, Alisha, was upstairs and didn't know what had happened until detectives came to the house.

"It's kind of upsetting to me that this has been going on since March," she said. "That would have been good to know."

Police said limited descriptions from witnesses suggest the intruder is a black man, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall with a slight to medium build.

Victims said the man appeared to be in his 20s or early 30s and that he possibly had a ponytail.

"It makes you scared, but the key to living in a safe neighborhood is not being scared," said Stephanie Ahlschwede, the president of the Leavenworth Neighborhood Association. She said neighbors can reduce their fears by taking control of the situation.

"Staying indoors cuts you off from your neighbors, who will be the very ones to help you when there's a problem," she said.

Ahlschwede suggested getting motion lights, trimming hedges and double-checking locks. The women who found the intruders in their home said that's what they plan to do.

"Call each other," Alicia said. "Like when you're walking in and out late at night and early in the morning, just to have someone watch you make it to your car."