CHANDLER, Ariz. -- The search continues for the Chandler serial rapist after a close call over the weekend when a woman thought she saw the man prowling outside her home.

Officers arriving at the scene shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday set up a one-square-mile perimeter between Alma School and Dobson roads and Elliot and Warner roads.

"Officers looked in alleyways, backyards and bushes," Chandler Police Detective Frank Mendoza told CBS 5 News.

Authorities deployed a helicopter and used police dogs in their yard-to-yard search, Mendoza said.

The woman who called 911 reporting the trespasser, Hazel Yonts, explained what awoke her so early in the morning.

"I heard my dog barking," Yonts said. "I called police."

About six hours later, after exhausting all leads, police said they gave up the search.

"We feel certain the serial rapist is very familiar with Chandler," Mendoza said.

During his 14-month crime spree, the serial rapist has sexually assaulted five young girls inside their own homes, police said.

Last month, police launched a special Web page for people to leave anonymous tips.

A billboard has been erected near McClintock Drive and the San Tan freeway with the drawing and description of the suspected rapist.

"It shows that the community and police department are working together as partners," Mendoza said.

People with information are asked to call Chandler Police at 480-782-4479 or Silent Witness at 800-343-TIPS (8477).