Sonoma Bike-Path Assault: Woman Attacked While Working Out

SONOMA, CA – A 29-year-old Sonoma woman exercising Wednesday evening on the Fryer Creek Trail in Sonoma said she was assaulted by a man, who grabbed her buttocks and tried putting his hand up her shirt, according to authorities.

Deputies were called shortly after 6 p.m. for a report of female, who was crying on the ground along the paved bike path, south of Manor Drive, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said today.

The Sonoma resident told officials she had in earbuds and was listening to music as she walked south on the path and was turning around to head north when the individual reportedly ran up behind her, grabbed her buttocks and attempted to put his hand up her shirt, deputies said.

"She lifted her hands and prevented him from doing so," the office said. "She then punched him in the groin and fell to the ground as the suspect ran north and then west towards Manor Drive."

The victim suffered a bruise on her hip from the fall, but did not require medical attention, deputies said.

The suspect reportedly had a faint odor of alcohol on his breath and was described as Hispanic, in his 30s, 5 feet 10 inches tall with a "chubby" build, mustache, goatee and dark hair, described as shaved on both sides with a curl in the front. He was wearing a medium-gray, long-sleeved hoodie and dark faded shorts that extended to his calves, police said.

Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate or identify the man. Sonoma Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez ordered extra patrols for multiple bike paths in the Sonoma area and cautioned residents to be alert while using these paths, especially when it is dark, the department said.

Anyone with information or possible leads in the case can call Sonoma police at 707-996-3602.

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--Image via Sonoma Sheriff