On Monday, a Bernal Heights resident went out for a run after work. It was close to 6 p.m. and the sun was still shining. She took her usual route, toward Holly Park. But, right before she got there, an unknown man pursued from behind, smiled, said hello, and proceeded to assault her.
The moments before the attack were captured on a neighbor’s Nest camera. The victim can be seen running past the house, closely followed by the perpetrator chasing after her. Seconds later, the victim shouts off camera.
This woman is one of four women who have experienced a similar attack in broad daylight near Holly Park in Bernal Heights in the last couple of weeks. That’s according to the victim who spoke with Mission Local, who says she has been in communication with other women who have suffered similar recent attacks. They believe the same perpetrator was involved in each incident.
The victim Mission Local spoke with, a woman who requested to remain anonymous, reported the incident of sexual battery to the police as soon as she returned home on Monday.
The assault caught on video happened at the intersection of Richland Avenue and Murray Street, and the attacker fled the scene on Leese Street toward Mission Street.
A spokesperson for the police department said that no arrests have been made in this case. The police did not provide information regarding any separate cases.
The victim said the man was white, tan-skinned, about 5-foot-7 and was wearing an Aztec print hoodie. He appeared to be in his late 20s or early 30s. Once she posted more information about the incident online, the three women came forward with similar experiences.
According to the victim, the four women are trying to have this case resolved as soon as possible. So far, she said she feels there has not been enough of a response and follow-up from the police department. “It honestly just feels like there’s not much traction,” she said.
In the meantime, they are getting the word out with the hope that something changes. “I really want to nip this in the bud,” she said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text at tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
San Francisco… This is unacceptable. We need to do much better. Enough is enough.