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| Audubon Riverfront Trail is highlighted in red |
Tuesday evening deputies took a report of a woman who experienced unwanted sexual contact from an unknown male while out on a walk.
The incident happened on the Audubon portion of the Riverfront Trail in Redlands between 3:30 and 4:00 Tuesday afternoon.
The woman noticed an African American male closely following her along the trail. When confronted, the suspect was making sexual gestures and then grabbed her chest area. She was quick thinking and hit him on the side of the head with her water bottle and he ran off. She smartly waited for another person to come along the trail to escort her back. She was not hurt.
The suspect is described as a young adult African American male with short hair, 5'6"-5'7" tall, and approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue and white striped polo shirt with blue jeans. He was described as well groomed and did not appear to be a transient. He also may have an injury to the left side of his face.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols in the area as call volume allows.
- Walkers, runners, and hikers should remain aware of their surroundings when out recreating on local trails.
- Always carry a charged cell phone.
- When possible try to go in groups. If not, make sure someone knows where you plan to go. and when to expect you back. There are many phone apps and fitness trackers that will send a friend your exact location, some even let them follow along on your adventure.
- Take a water bottle or a walking stick, it can be used as a weapon for an attacker or wild animal
- Music lovers stay aware of your surrounding, it's a good idea to keep one earbud out so you can hear what is going on around you.
If anyone has information about this crime or this suspect call the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous.
