Woman 'Forcibly' Hugged, Kissed By Stranger; Suspect Arrested

PETALUMA, CA – A Petaluma man was arrested for suspected sexual battery Tuesday after a woman told police she was outside a business when a male allegedly came up behind her, said he was "associated" with the firm, offered to help her and then "forcibly" grabbed her with both hands and hugged and kissed her for approximately five minutes, authorities said.

The victim said she was on the 700 block of South McDowell Boulevard at about 11:30 a.m. when the incident occurred, and despite her repeated demands that the suspect stop, the reported groping went on until an employee of the business came outside and confronted the man, who then let go of the woman and took off on foot, the Petaluma Police Department said today.

The man was described by the victim as Hispanic, missing front teeth and wearing a striped, yellow and burgundy shirt, police said.

A male, identified as Jimmy Mazariegos, 35, and matching the description, was located within four minutes in the Park Lane and Sierra Drive area. From a line-up, the victim identified her suspected attacker as Mazariegos, who was listed on records as being on an active misdemeanor probation, police said.

Mazariegos reportedly admitted in a police interview to "bear hugging" the victim, and he was arrested and booked at the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of sexual battery and a probation violation, officials said.

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--Image via Petaluma PD