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Uploaded: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 2:27 PM
Updated: Monday, August 27, 2012, 6:34 AM
Police investigate Kottinger Park sexual assault and robbery
Suspect apparently dropped hat at the scene
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by Glenn Wohltmann
Pleasanton Weekly Staff
Photos
 
| Pleasanton police are looking for help in capturing a man who sexually assaulted and robbed a local woman on Aug. 19.
The woman, in her 20s, was walking home alone from downtown at about 2:30 a.m., a police news release said.
"While walking in the area of First Street and Spring Avenue, she noticed a male adult was following her. When she reached Kottinger Park, the male had closed the distance between them. He made a comment to her that caused her to fear for her safety," the release stated.
The woman ran into Kottinger Park to get away from the suspect; he chased her into the park, then sexually assaulted her and robbed her of an undisclosed amount of cash before running off.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released.
"It's not life threatening -- she received bruises and cuts all over her body," said Pleasanton Police Sgt. Maria Munayer, who confirmed that sexual assaults by strangers are a rarity in Pleasanton.
The suspect is described as white or Hispanic with dark, short hair, in his early 20s, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with a muscular build. He also had distinguishing tattoos, according to the news release: old English-style writing across his collarbones and a tattoo on each upper arm.
His hat, a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap, was recovered by police, who have released a photo of it and a composite sketch of the suspect.
"Physical evidence recovered has been submitted to the Alameda County Crime Lab for forensic examination," the release said.
The Police Department has increased patrols, including uniformed bicycle officers, around Kottinger Village Park.
Police issued a list of safety tips, reminding people to be aware of their surroundings and people nearby, to avoid walking alone at night and to walk with confidence and a steady pace.
People should also let others know where they are and where they are headed, to call out for help if in danger or being followed, and not to hesitate to involve the police.
Anyone with information about this incident or who can identify the suspect should contact the Pleasanton Police Department at 931-5100.Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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| Comments
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Posted by Mike, a resident of the Highland Oaks neighborhood, on Aug 23, 2012 at 3:21 pm 2:30 AM is a sad time to be alone.
Mike
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Posted by winston, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Aug 23, 2012 at 3:27 pm What's even sadder is that we continue to live in an age when women can't feel safe on streets after dark. Not only do they get assaulted, but they are then accused of 'asking for it'. I wonder whether she'll have to explain to anyone that the sexual assault was a 'legitimate' one, as, you know, distinct from the 'illegitimate' ones.
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Posted by Resident, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Aug 23, 2012 at 4:46 pm I hope the police are bringing this photo into all the downtown businesses, especially with cameras. Also, the gas stations, fast food or mini markets in town that may recognize the description and that hat if he is a regular. Barbershops in the area may also know him if he is getting that short haircut all the time (the Pleasanton Patch said that he had a "military" haircut).
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Posted by Mittens, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Aug 23, 2012 at 10:27 pm Nice try politicizing this attack by a typical dodger fan, Winston.
This was an rape, regardless as to your designation of legitimacy.
Weenies like you make women very fearful.."
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