Another Ukiah girl reportedly grabbed by stranger

A 10-year-old Ukiah girl reported being grabbed by a stranger late Tuesday afternoon, the second such incident in the city in less than a week, police said.

The girl was on her way home from school at about 4:45 p.m. when she was assaulted in the area of Scott Street and North State Street, police said.

She kicked the assailant in the groin and ran home, where she notified her mother, police said.

The girl described the suspect as Latino, about 18 years old, 5-foot-2-inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds. She said he was wearing green or black tennis shoes.

On Friday morning, a Ukiah High School student reported a man grabbed her from behind as she waited for the school bus on Orchard Avenue.

That girl also fought back and ran to safety, police said. The only description provided is that the suspect was a man wearing dark clothing.

Police Lt. David McQueary said it’s not known whether the two incidents are related.

There was another incident of a girl, 17, being grabbed while she jogged in West Ukiah in November. Her suspected assailant - a homeless man - remains jailed, police said.

Police ask that parents remind their children of basic safety tips:

*Don’t talk to strangers.

*Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be distracted by your cellphone while walking to and from school.

*Stick together, there’s safety in numbers.

*Practice basic self-defense. A swift kick to the shins or groin, along with a loud scream can be effective.

*When home alone, keep the doors locked.