PHOENIX -- A sex predator who tried to rape a 12-year-old girl June 11 is behind nine attempted sex assault attacks since January, police said on Thursday.

Investigators said the man poses an immediate threat to the safety of children in the community and Silent Witness posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the attacker.

Printable composite sketch (.pdf)

The serial predator has targeted children and teens between the ages of 7 to 17, said Sgt. Paul Penzone. He said all of the attacks have occurred between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The latest attack happened on Wednesday.

The June 11 attack occurred when the man approached a 12-year-old girl walking alone to her friend's apartment, shoved her to the ground and tried to rape her, police said.

The man ran up behind her in the 2200 block of West Campbell Avenue and attempted to pull down her shorts, officers said.

When the man pushed her to the ground and tried to sexually assault her, the girl screamed and the attacker released her, investigators said.

The girl ran to her friend's apartment and called police.

The man is described as a Native American or Hispanic male and is believed to be between 20 and 29 years old. He is 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs between 180 and 200 pounds.

The attacker has a heavy build with a pot belly, police said. The man has plucked eyebrows, short, spiky dark-brown hair and is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue jean shorts and black tennis shoes.