Police continue search for trail predator Police continue search for trail predator (April 16, 2004)

Groper attacked two weeks ago

The Mountain View Police Department has issued a warning to women who walk along the Stevens Creek Trail -- a predator is on the loose.

Police said two women were walking on the trail at about 7:45 p.m. on March 29 when a man attacked one of them from behind, grabbing her between her legs and knocking her to the ground.

The suspect landed on top of the victim and continued groping her for several seconds while her walking companion screamed and charged at him. The suspect then fled on foot northbound on the trail toward Evelyn Avenue.

Police believe the man had been hiding in the shadows of the trail under the Dana Street overpass and said the victim never saw him approach. Since the incident occurred prior to daylight-saving time, it was dark at the time.

Mountain View investigators have released a sketch of the suspect, who is described as a white man in his 30s, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 165 pounds, clean cut with a shaven face, fair skinned with light colored eyes and light brown to orange-red hair. The victim also described him as having an athletic build and said he was wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt, dark colored fitted running pants and athletic shoes.

Officials said the trail is closed 30 minutes after dusk for the public's safety and advised people to carry a cell phone with direct dial to Mountain View police while the suspect is at large. Carrying pepper spray, walking in groups and with dogs are additional safety tips.

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact Mountain View police at 903-6364.

-- Bay City News

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