Ryan ChartrandPolice are investigating a sexual assault that occurred early Saturday morning in downtown San Luis Obispo, which may have been committed by a suspect tied to a series assaults that took place in November and December.
At about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, the suspect stopped the female victim near Buchon and Nipomo streets while she was walking to her friend’s house, the San Luis Obispo Police Department said in a statement. The suspect initiated a conversation with her and then proceeded to follow her to her destination before coming up behind her and putting his hand over her mouth, police said. They ended up on the ground, but she fought him off and he fled northbound on Nipomo Street.
Police reported the suspect as a white male in his early to mid-twenties with a medium build and short, dark hair – a description that matches that of the November and December suspect. He was reported to have been seen last wearing blue jeans and a dark, hooded sweatshirt.
In response to the recent event, the San Luis Obispo Police Department will be increasing its patrol of the areas where the assaults have taken place, and the department is encouraging downtown businesses to post the sketch of the suspect. Anyone with information can reach the San Luis Obispo Police Department at (805) 781-7317.