Over the weekend the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office received two reports from women advising they encountered a man on the West County Trail near Forestville exposing himself. The calls came in the mid-morning hours on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday morning a woman rode her bicycle by a man, described as a black male in his 20’s. As she rode past, he pulled his pants down, exposing himself and made a lewd comment to her.
On Sunday morning a female jogger reported that, as she passed a man with the same description, he exposed himself and also said something to the effect of “hi.” Responding deputies on Sunday were searching the trail for the suspect when they got a third call of the man rubbing the outside of his groin as a female jogged by him around Green Valley Road.
As the deputies closed in they saw the suspect from a distance of about 150 yards. The suspect saw the deputies and took off running. The deputies were too far away and were not able to catch him. The Sheriff’s Helicopter was called in and helped with the search but the suspect ultimately evaded capture.
Detectives are continuing to investigate these incidents. If anyone has any information they are encouraged to call Sheriff’s Investigations at 707-565-2185. Women in this area are encouraged to use the trail with friends and be alert of their surroundings. If the suspect is spotted, please call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 707-565-2121 or 911.
