Rohnert Park Creek Path Assaults: Police Seek To ID Suspect

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety asked for the public's help this week in identifying a man suspected in a series of assaults on creek paths in the city.

The first incident was reported around 6 p.m. Saturday on the SMART Bike Path between Southwest Boulevard and Rohnert Park Expressway. A woman reported that a man on a black mountain bike slapped her on the buttocks. The victim described the suspect as an 18- to 20-year-old Hispanic man with dark curly hair and eyeglasses.

Around 3 p.m. Sunday, another woman reported she was on the same path when she was slapped on the buttocks by a man riding a black mountain bike. The suspect was described as being 18-20 years old and matched the description of the previous incident, police said.

Around 7 a.m. Monday, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety received a call from a woman who said she was walking to work on the Copeland Creek bike path near Snyder Lane when she was chased by a man on a black mountain bike. She also described the suspect as a Hispanic man approximately 18-20 years old.

"The man had his genitals exposed and was riding towards her," police said. "The victim was able to hit the suspect with an object she was carrying which caused him to leave the area."

Officers quickly responded but the suspect was already gone, police said.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety asked for help in identifying the suspect, described as a heavyset Hispanic or mixed-race man between 18 and 20 years old with curly hair and eyeglasses. He rides a black mountain bike and has been seen wearing orange shorts with smiley faces on them. He may have been wearing a black shirt or black sweatshirt.

Police asked anyone who recognizes someone of this description to call the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety at 707-584-2612.

"While the Department of Public Safety is actively investigating these incidents, we would like to remind you to be aware while walking on the creek paths," police said. "If you can, walk with someone. Only use one earbud or headphone so you can hear things around you. If you see any suspicious activity, please do not hesitate to call 707-584-2612 or if an emergency 911."