A 33 year old man was arrested after committing a sexual assault against a female victim at a local gym Monday. Detectives believe there may be other potential victims.
Jonathan Anderson, a 33 years old transient out of Fremont, was arrested Monday evening, for felony sexual battery and assault with intent to commit oral copulation after sexually assaulting a woman at a local fitness gym. Detectives are bringing awareness to this violent crime, and looking for other potential victims who may have had recent contact with the suspect.
On February 17, 2020, at approximately 6:20 p.m., a woman was doing push-ups alongside other gym patrons while attending a workout class inside the 24 Hour Fitness located in the 39300 block of Paseo Padre Pkwy. Without warning, Anderson entered the class, approached the victim and pushed her onto the ground. Anderson, who is 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds, forcefully held the victim to the ground, pulled down her clothing and attempted to sexually assault her.
The victim screamed for help and another gym patron immediately came to the victim’s aid. The Good Samaritan pushed Anderson off the victim and stood between the two in an effort to stop any further assault. The Good Samaritan followed Anderson to the front of the gym. From there, gym employees stopped Anderson and held onto him until patrol officers arrived and took him into custody.
In addition to the victim and Good Samaritan, several witnesses were interviewed and video surveillance was recovered. Anderson was later interviewed and confessed to the attack in detail. Anderson was found to be active to probation for two separate prior convictions (a D.U.I. and a prior grand theft). All additional information about the victim is being withheld due to the confidential nature of this crime. Anderson has remained in custody since his arrest.
The case will be presented to the Alameda County District Attorney on February 20, 2020 and the following charges will be requested for suspect Jonathan Anderson:
- PC 220 (assault with intent to commit oral copulation – felony)
- PC 243.4(a) (sexual assault – felony)
- PC 1202.3 (probation violation)
Arraignment is scheduled for February 20, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
Based on the severity of the actions by Anderson, detectives are looking to speak with anyone who may have had recent contact with Anderson. Detectives believe this may not have been the first time Anderson has assaulted someone in this manner.
“The Fremont Police Department wishes to thank the Good Samaritan for intervening in the attack,” said Lieutenant Michael Tegner. “Their quick action stopped this horrendous assault and aided in the suspect’s quick arrest. It took bravery and courage to intervene.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please call the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at 510-790-6954 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP FREMONTPD followed by your message to 888-777, or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.
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