Police Searching For Suspect Who Assaulted 2 Women, Call For Caution On Bike Trails

Austin police are on the hunt for a man suspected of assaulting two females in separate incidents.

The suspect rode off on a bike after assaulting a woman on Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. on Pedernales Street. He attempted to assault another woman on the Hike and Bike Trail between Pedernales and Llano Streets on Nov. 30 at 11:00 a.m., but ran away on foot after she fought back.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s who has short brown hair and is around 6 feet tall.

“Detectives do not have any other information to provide about the incidents at this time but want to remind the public to be aware of their surroundings when utilizing the public roads and Hike and Bike trails,” the Austin Police Department said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sex Crimes tip line at 512-974-5230.

The Austin Police published this list of safety tips in response to the recent incidents:

Basic Trail Safety Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route
• Hike with a friend. In case of an emergency, you can help each other out.
• If going solo, let at least one friend or family member know your route, expected return time, and description of your clothing
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged
• Never use trails after dark
• Carry identification and include name, phone number, and medical information (allergies, medications, medical history) Consider listing an emergency contact number.
• Use discretion when acknowledging strangers
• Keep the volume down on your headphones or use just one earphone in order to hear and be alerted to approaching hazards
• Stay on marked trails
• Remain aware of your surroundings
• Do not approach homeless encampments or hostile people engaged in illegal activities
• Carry at least one light source even if you begin your adventure during daylight hours. In the event you become lost or disoriented and nightfall results, you can use the light to illuminate your route or for emergency signaling.
• Keep a whistle with your gear for emergency signaling
• “Drop a pin” or take a pictures with your cellphone of your entry point and trail markers as you pass them. Send them to a family member or friend as a “check-in”.
• If lost, use a compass or smartphone to pinpoint your location coordinates or be prepared to describe your location with basic orienteering techniques (last past roadway/intersection, maintaining knowledge of direction of travel, etc…)