Suspect sought in attempted kidnapping, sexual assault near UC Berkeley campus

BERKELEY – Authorities are searching for a man suspected of an attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a woman north of the University of California, Berkeley campus on Tuesday.

Shortly after 5 p.m., police said the victim, a woman in her 20s, had just left campus in the area of Hearst and Euclid avenues. The suspect, who was standing on the north side of Hearst adjacent to the Lower Hearst parking structure, approached the victim from behind.

Police said the suspect then grabbed the woman by the arm and threatened to sexually assault her. She was able to pull away and run to a nearby café for safety.

The suspect then followed the victim to the café. Employees blocked the suspect from entering and called for police. Afterwards, the suspect was last seen walking in the UC Berkeley campus.

On Wednesday, police released video of the suspect in the area.  

The suspect is described as a male in his 40s, with a thin build, bald and no facial hair. He was seen wearing a black jacket, white shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact the Berkeley Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit by calling 510-981-5735.

In:
• Berkeley
• Sexual Assault
• UC Berkeley
• Kidnapping