Silicon Valley Sex Assault Suspect Sought After Incident at Local Caltrain Station

PALO ALTO, CA – San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputies are looking for a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a Caltrain station on the Peninsula earlier this month.

The attack occurred between 10:45 p.m. and 11:10 p.m., March 1, while the victim was waiting at the Marguerite Stanford bus kiosk on the southbound platform of the Palo Alto Caltrain Station, according to sheriff's officials.

"The suspect began speaking with the victim and while doing so sexually assaulted her," sheriff's Det. Sal Zuno said in a news release. "The victim pushed herself away and the suspect grabbed her to keep her from leaving."

The suspect, described as a Hispanic man with a short haircut and a trimmed beard, allegedly wouldn't let up until the woman fought him off, according to Zuno. He eventually ran off, towards University Avenue.

The suspect was between 35 and 40 years old, weighed roughly 190 to 210 pounds, stood between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, and was wearing a green hooded sweatshirt with yellow writing on it. He also wore light brown or beige pants and dark colored tennis shoes.

Police recently released the attached composite sketch of the man, in the hopes that someone may recognize him.

At the time of the assault he was also carrying a black backpack.The assault remains under investigation and anyone with information about it is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Baron at (650) 622-8053 or mbaron@smcgov.org.

"The Sheriff’s Office reminds all passengers to be aware of their surroundings," Zuno said. "Don’t’ get distracted by electronics. Stand or wait in well-lit areas or areas where you can been seen or see others."

– Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Image via San Mateo County Sheriff's Office