*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

Berkeley, California (Wednesday, December 10, 2003) – On 12-10-03 at approximately 6:43 am, a woman was sexually assaulted while jogging alone along the Bay Trail.  This part of the Bay Trail parallels West Frontage Road between Gilman Street and University Avenue.  She was approached from behind by a suspect who tackled her into the bushes where the sexual assault occurred. The victim was able to get away and run into the street and flag down passing cars for help. An SUV stopped and the two occupants saw and chased the suspect into the park area.  The victim was picked up by another passing car and was taken to a nearby payphone where the police were called.  The occupants of the SUV were not able to catch the suspect and left the scene prior to police arriving. 

Officers made contact with the victim and immediately began to search the area where the suspect was last seen.  The search utilized over 20 officers, a police boat, dirt bike, a CHP plane and helicopter and Oakland Police K-9 units.  The search lasted several hours, but no suspect was found.

The suspect is described as a:

Hispanic Male Adult or White Male Adult, late 20’s, 5’10” - 6’00”, Medium Build.  He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark pants.

The Berkeley Police Department is requesting that the involved good Samaritans or any other witnesses contact us immediately. They may be critical in solving the case.  The information they may be able to provide could be crucial to identifying and bringing the suspect to justice.

This case is similar to an attempted sexual assault case in the same area on      11-9-03.  Detectives are investigating this to determine if it may be same suspect.

The Berkeley Police Department is also asking for help from anyone who may have information about this incident.  You may remain anonymous.  Please contact the Sex Crimes Detail at 510-981-5735 or email tips to police@ci.berkeley.ca.us