A late afternoon walk on the Stevens Creek Trail turned frightening for a 66-year-old man last Thursday, when a knife-wielding robber confronted him near Sleeper Avenue and took off with his belongings, according to Mountain View police. The victim fell backward during the encounter and scraped his elbow, while the suspect ran off with cash, a watch and a cellphone. Officers searched the surrounding area but did not find the attacker, and the case remains under active investigation.
As reported by Mountain View Voice, police put the total value of the stolen items at about $1,060. The suspect was described as a Hispanic adult man of medium build, about 5-foot-7, wearing a black face mask, a white T-shirt and black pants. Anyone with information is urged to call the Mountain View Police Department's non-emergency line at 650-903-6344.
Witness Account And Community Reaction
A Nextdoor post by a neighbor who said they ride the trail daily described coming upon the scene around 4:45 PM. The neighbor reported seeing a man in a black ski mask allegedly robbing an older man at knifepoint between El Camino Real and Sleeper Avenue. The post, along with other online chatter, has helped stoke long-standing concerns about safety on the more isolated stretches of the trail.
Trail Context
The Stevens Creek Trail serves as a heavily used north–south route linking Shoreline Park with neighborhood access points, drawing commuters, joggers and families throughout the day. Local advocates and the city have worked for years on extensions and upgrades along the corridor. As Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail note, portions of the path run through open meadows and underpasses that can leave some users feeling exposed when traffic thins out.
Police Response
The Mountain View Police Department said officers canvassed the area after the robbery was reported but were unable to locate the suspect, according to Mountain View Voice. Investigators have repeated the suspect description and again asked that anyone with tips call 650-903-6344 so detectives can follow up.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and they plan to pursue leads as they come in. Neighbors, already vocal online, say the robbery has renewed calls for more patrols and additional safety measures along the Stevens Creek Trail.
