VISALIA, California – Visalia police are investigating a series of sexual assault reports where a subject allegedly approaches women and gropes them.
Since mid-July they have received similar reports, local police say.
In two of the reports, a woman was walking her dog and a man asked if he could pet it. Once she did, he then forcefully groped the victim and ran away.
Authorities indicate that one incident occurred in the area of Grove Avenue with Stevenson Street and the other was reported near the Visalia Library on Oak Avenue.
A third allegation of sexual assault took place in the area of Northwest Third Avenue and Strawberry Street. According to police, in this incident the victim was walking alone when a man came up behind her and groped her.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic adult in his early 20s, 5’3 to 5’6 in height, short brown hair, clean shaven and wearing a black shirt and black pants.
Visalia police have added additional patrols in the area since the first report.
This remains an active investigation, so anyone with information is urged to contact the Visalia Police Department at 559-734-8116. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact the Anonymous Tip Line at (559) 713-4738.
