Sonoma police add patrols on bike paths after woman assaulted

Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies have added patrols on bike paths around Sonoma after a 29-year-old woman reported being assaulted Wednesday evening.

The woman was walking the Fryer Creek Trail in south Sonoma shortly before 6 p.m. when a strange man approached and grabbed her buttocks, then “attempted to put his hand up her shirt,” according to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office. The woman punched the man in the groin and fell to the ground. The man ran away toward Manor Drive.

The woman suffered a bruised hip from the fall but didn’t require medical attention.

The man, who hasn’t been found, was described as in his 30s, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a chubby build, dark hair, mustache and goatee. He wore a medium gray hooded sweatshirt and dark faded shorts that extended to his calves.

Besides ordering extra patrols, Sonoma Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez cautioned residents to remain alert on bike paths, especially at or near dark.

Anyone with possible leads in the case is encouraged to call Sonoma Police, 707-996-3602.