Transient Suspected Of Chasing, Trying To Grab Rohnert Park Girl

ROHNERT PARK, CA – A day after the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety released a sketch of a man suspected of chasing a teenage girl down a local street and trying to grab her as she ran from him, a transient was arrested on suspicion of the crime. Matthew Damon Madrid, 44, a transient from Santa Rosa who frequents Rohnert Park, was taken into custody Tuesday after the victim in the May incident on Camino Colegio Drive positively identified him in a photo lineup, Rohnert Park DPS Sgt. Jeff Justice stated in a Wednesday afternoon news release.

Justice said upon releasing the sketch Monday, the Investigations Bureau received several tips from other local law enforcement agencies as well as citizens — all pointing to Madrid as the possible suspect.

"In looking at photographs of Matthew Madrid, he did resemble the sketch," Justice said. "Madrid also had a documented history of harassing women and making statements about wanting to harm children."

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When the victim was shown a group of photos Tuesday, she selected Madrid's, the sergeant said.

Rohnert Park DPS located Madrid later that night and arrested him on suspicion of assault with the intent to commit a sex crime.

"Madrid chose not to speak with detectives about the incident and he was booked into the Sonoma County Jail," Justice said.

Jail records showed Madrid was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail Wednesday pending a court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Detectives continue seeking information on any other crimes or potential crimes Madrid may have been involved in, or any information that may assist with this case, Justice said.

Tips about Madrid can be phoned in to the Rohnert Park Investigations Bureau at 707-584-2630 or sent via email to rpdpsinvestigations@rpcity.org.

Photos courtesy Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety