Teenager arrested in connection with sexual assault in Sebastopol

(KRON) — A teenager was arrested in connection with a sexual assault that occurred on a running trail in Sebastopol last week. Sonoma County Sheriff’s officers responded to the Joe Rodota Trail around 8 p.m. Thursday on a report of an attempted sexual assault.

Officers made contact with the victim, who told them she was walking on the path between Merced Avenue and Llano Road when someone attacked her. The suspect, police say, approached the victim from behind, grabbed her buttocks, forced her to the ground and said he was going to sexually assault her.

The victim managed to fend off the perpetrator and escape.

Officers described the suspect as a Hispanic man between the ages of 18 and 20 with a slim build and long, black hair. At the time of the alleged attack, he was wearing a purple hoodie, gray pants and black shoes, police said.

On Monday, the SCSO issued an update saying the suspect had been arrested. Investigators from the Domestic Violence/Sexual Harassment Unit identified him based on tips from the public.

Because the suspect is a minor, officials did not release any further information about him other than that he is 16 years old.

“Thank you to everyone who provided us with information and cooperated with our detectives,” SCSO said.