*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *** 

Contact:  Officer Joe Okies  #71

                 BPD Public Information Officer

                 (510) 981- 5752  

Suspect Sketch Released in Aquatic Park Rape

Berkeley, California (Thursday, May 26^th 2005) – On Sunday, May 22^nd, at approximately 6:00 o’clock in the evening, a 17-year old female was walking in North Aquatic Park when she was sexually assaulted and raped.  Detectives were able to develop this sketch of the suspect through their investigative efforts.  The suspect is further described as a Hispanic male between 35-40 years of age, approximately 5’6” tall and 180 lbs.  The man had shoulder length black hair and was wearing a black baseball cap and white t-shirt.

  The victim in this case was exercising in the Park when the suspect grabbed her from behind and dragged her into nearby bushes where he forced the victim to disrobe and then sexually assaulted and raped her.  The suspect then fled the Park and the victim was able to locate a telephone and call the police.

At this point in the investigation, it appears that this is an isolated incident.  Detectives continue to aggressively investigate this case.  Detective DeBlasi of the Berkeley Police Sex Crimes Detail said, “ We are working hard to identify this suspect and hope that the release of this sketch will help lead to the arrest of this violent criminal.”

Berkeley Police have taken a number of additional steps to help protect residents and Park users.  Additional police officers are patrolling Aquatic Park and officers have distributed flyers to local businesses and residences in an effort to keep the community informed.