SFPD Seeking Suspect In Multiple Sexual Battery Incidents On Muni

SFPD Seeking Suspect In Multiple Sexual Battery Incidents On MuniA photo of the sexual battery suspect. | Image: Courtesy of ABC7
Allie Pape
Published on April 04, 2017

The SFPD is on the lookout for a suspect they say has committed multiple sexual batteries on Muni. While one of the incidents is known to have occurred on the N-Judah, police say that the man has rubbed himself against women on other Muni lines as well. 

According to our partners at ABC7, multiple women have come forward to say they were touched by the suspect while riding Muni. The case gained a higher profile after one woman, Michelle, wrote a post about her experience on social media. 

Michelle, who declined to share her last name for confidentiality reasons, was riding the N-Judah last Thursday when she was approached by the man, who began "banging against her"—which she said she had witnessed him do to another female Muni rider a couple of weeks before. 

"I was very angry because of the fact that this was the second time," she said. "Me seeing the guy made me think, 'He must do this regularly.'"

Police say they are now riding Muni trains in an attempt to find the suspect, who is seen here wearing a black Vans jacket and a camouflage hat and backpack. 

SFPD spokeswoman Grace Gatpandan said that special victims unit cases are typically confidential, "but at this point, it is in the best interest of the public to be on the lookout for this guy."

If you see the suspect on Muni, or in any case of physical or sexual assault by another passenger, riders are encouraged to call 911. 

For more on the case, check out this video from ABC7: 


Update, 4/5: According to ABC7, the suspect, a 45-year-old man, was arrested at Carl and Stanyan streets yesterday afternoon.

He's being charged with multiple misdemeanors, including sexual battery, sexual battery on public transportation, continuing offense of public nuisance and one felony account of false imprisonment. Police are not releasing his name or other identifying information at this time.

Police say that at least four victims have come forward; if you have more information on incidents involving the suspect, contact them directly at (415) 575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.