On the morning of Feb. 12, an unknown male individual harassed a female student as she was jogging back on the trail leading to Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a trail frequented by California State University, Monterey Bay students because of its easy access to the beach.
The student “reported she was jogging back to campus from the beach when an unknown male grabbed her from behind, asking her if she had seen keys at the beach,” according to a public safety bulletin sent out via email later the same day. The student was able to “break free and return to campus,” where the incident was immediately reported to California State Parks, the authority overseeing the Fort Ord Dunes area.
The student gave a fairly detailed description of the individual, describing them as a “hispanic male adult in their early 20s, wearing a red beanie, grey sweatshirt, dark blue jeans, with a black backpack.” The physique of the individual was described as “tan skin, thin black mustache and black hair” with a “thin build, 5’8” [to] 5’10” tall.”
If you have any information regarding this incident or individual, report your information to the University Police Department “as soon as it is safe to do so.” You may contact the non-emergency line at 831-655-0268 and if you are in an emergency situation, always call 911.
The public safety bulletin also included a few safety tips that everyone is advised to follow. These include:
- Whenever possible, do not run alone
- Be aware of your surroundings; avoid running with headphones in/covering both ears
- Run during daylight hours on established trails and/or roadways