2nd Millbrae Groping Puts Community On Alert

MILLBRAE, CA — Investigators are asking residents to stay alert as they search for a suspect who may be linked to two sexual battery cases in Millbrae.

The first incident happened Sunday evening on the Spur Trail along Millbrae Avenue, where a 28-year-old woman reported a man groped her as she was walking. The victim described a Hispanic man who was approximately 30 years old and 5 feet 7 inches tall who approached her from behind.

In the second case, a 38-year-old woman said she was walking with her son along Poplar Avenue on Tuesday night when a man approached and groped her from behind. Deputies said she described the assailant as an "adult male with a light complexion," between 20 and 30 years old, and possibly 5 feet 10 inches tall.

The victim yelled and said the suspect fled northbound towards La Cruz Avenue. Deputies rushed to the scene and searched the area but did not locate the man. Detectives note that in both cases victims described the man as wearing a distinctive black hoodie with white writing on the back and a bicycle with a green rack.

The disturbing cases prompted the sheriff's office to deploy saturation patrols, off-road motor patrols, and decoy operations. On Wednesday, officials said they would add more marked and unmarked units to look for the suspect, along with special units from the sheriff's office. Deputies are asking the public to be vigilant — and also careful.

"We need our residents to be our eyes and ears," officials said Wednesday. "So if you see this subject, please do not approach him, but call sheriff's dispatch at 650-363-4911."

People with information can also contact the anonymous tip line at 1-800-547-2700. In case of emergency, call 911.