Monterey police search for man accused of groping jogger on rec trail
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Police in Monterey are asking for the public's help in searching for a suspect accused of groping a female jogger on the recreation trail.
The incident happened Friday at about 6:40 a.m.
The jogger was on the trail near Del Monte Avenue and Ramona Avenue when she said a man grabbed her from behind and groped her.
“While she was running we had a suspect approach her from behind and reached up and around her and grabbed her breasts, sexually battering her on the rec trail. She was able to pull away and the suspect turned and ran East back towards the area of Seaside Sand City," says Lieutenant Jake Pinkas from the Monterey Police Department.
Monterey Police say a witness chased the suspect but was unable to stop him.
Pinkas says incidents like these are not common in the area.
“We don’t just have people being battered on the rec trail every day. I don’t think we need to tell anybody to stay away from the rec trail, what I would say is just if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut instinct and get out of there and give us a call."
On Monday, joggers along the trail said they are now on alert for their own safety, including a jogger named Amber from Seaside who says she was shocked to find out the news.
“I always make sure that I bring my dogs, my phone is always in my sports bra and I’m always wearing my apple watch, it sends out an SOS to all of your favorite contacts so if something were to happen, it pings out my location immediately," says Amber.
Monterey Police say they are conducting surveillance for any possible leads.
The suspect is described as a White or Hispanic man wearing dark-colored jeans, a hat and a blue mask. He is described as being about 5'10" tall with a medium build.
Anyone who was on the rec trail between Casa Verde and Canyon Del Rey between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Friday with information, photos or videos of the area is asked to contact Lieutenant Michael Bruno at 831-646-3964 or bruno@monterey.org.
