The hunt is on for a 28-year-old Minneapolis man suspected in a rash of home burglaries around southern Anoka County within a few hours over the weekend, and he's believed to have sexually assaulted a girl in one of the residences, authorities said.

Investigators used home surveillance video to determine that Jarid Troy Alan Jovanovich broke into four residences in Columbia Heights and one in St. Anthony between 1 and 6 a.m. Sunday and also that he attempted to enter other homes in the same areas, Anoka County Sheriff's Cmdr. Brian Podany said Tuesday.

At one home, Podany said, Jovanovich sexually touched a 9-year-old girl who was asleep at the time.

Items stolen from the homes included a wallet and a purse, the commander said.

Jovanovich was last spotted early Monday in south Minneapolis, authorities said. He is described as white, 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 195 pounds. He has had facial hair in the past but may be clean-shaven now. A witness at one crime scene said he was wearing a white ball cap and a red shirt.

Jovanovich's criminal history in Minnesota dates to at least 2009 and includes convictions for burglary, property damage, assault, trespassing and lurking.

Jovanovich

"We've gotten a few more leads," the commander said. "We hope to get him before someone else is victimized."

Anyone with information about Jovanovich's whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Anoka County Sheriff's Office at 763-427-1212.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482